Storage and organization system and components thereof

ABSTRACT

A storage system includes a shell having a plurality of walls and a plurality of rails. The plurality of walls are coupled to one another to form a storage chamber therebetween and to define a plurality of intersection edges. Each of the plurality of intersection edges is formed at a corresponding boundary of two adjacent ones of the plurality of walls. The plurality of rails each extend outwardly from a corresponding one of the plurality of intersection edges with an angled orientation relative to each of the two adjacent ones of the plurality of walls. A cross-sectional thickness of each of the plurality of rails increases as each of the plurality of rails extends away from one of the plurality of intersection edges.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/960,242, filed Dec. 4, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.8,418,874, issued Apr. 16, 2013, which is a divisional application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/851,165, filed Sep. 6, 2007, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,866,769, issued Jan. 1, 2011, which claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/842,469, filed Sep. 6, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/941,503 filed Jun. 1, 2007, all of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many organization and storage items and systems are available to assistconsumers in their quest to store and organize their belongings.However, in general, consumers continually accumulate items and/ortransfer items from one location in a home to another. Accordingly, astorage and organization system that may function well for a consumer atone point in time may gradually become ill-suited for the consumer'sneeds at a subsequent time. In order to adapt to their changing needs,consumers often discard and replace old organization systems with new,more suitable systems. In this manner, as the needs of a consumercontinue to evolve, a cycle of implementing and replacing organizationsystems often occurs. This cycle, which may seem to be never ending, canleave a consumer frustrated and distraught with attempts to organize thetypically increasing inventory of belongings according to the consumer'sevolving use of such belongings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a storage systemincluding a shell having a plurality of walls and a plurality of rails.The plurality of walls are coupled to one another to form a storagechamber therebetween and to define a plurality of intersection edges.Each of the plurality of intersection edges is formed at a correspondingboundary of two adjacent ones of the plurality of walls. The pluralityof rails each extend outwardly from a corresponding one of the pluralityof intersection edges with an angled orientation relative to each of thetwo adjacent ones of the plurality of walls. A cross-sectional thicknessof each of the plurality of rails increases as each of the plurality ofrails extends away from one of the plurality of intersection edges.Related products, systems, components and methods are also disclosed andprovide additional advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to thefigures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a storage and organizationsystem, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a shell of the storage andorganization system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shell taken along theline 3-3 of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shell taken along theline 3-3 of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shell taken along theline 3-3 of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shell taken along theline 3-3 of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the shell of FIG. 2,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the shell of FIG.4A, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of a main body of theshell of FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an end view of a hinge member of the main body ofFIG. 5, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the shell of FIG. 4A fully collapsedand configured for packaging, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partially exploded, perspective view of the shellof FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the shell of FIG.2, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a shell, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a pillow of the storage andorganization system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partially exploded perspective view of a storageand organization system configuration, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a pillow of the storage andorganization system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a storage and organizationsystem configuration, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a shell and a base pillow,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of two shells and a top pillow,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of adjacent shells and arail-to-rail connection clip, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 ofFIG. 17, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a partially exploded, perspective view of adjacentpillows and a pillow-to-pillow connection clip, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates a partial perspective view of adjacent shells and aconnection clamp, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial perspective view of adjacent shells and azip connection, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of a storage and organization systemconfiguration, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a partially exploded, perspective view of a storageand organization system configuration, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of a shell insert, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25A illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a clip-on door,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25B illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the shell andclip-on door of FIG. 25A, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a hinged door,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27A illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a partially openoverhead storage door, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 27B illustrates a perspective view of the shell of FIG. 27A withthe overhead storage door in a stowed position, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a detailed view of a rail coupled to the shell ofFIG. 27A configured to receive the overhead storage door of FIG. 27A,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a pull-out doorin a partially opened position, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 30 illustrates a partially exploded, perspective view of a bin witha divider and a tray, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of the bin of FIG. 30 with a lid,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of a drawer, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33A illustrates a perspective view of a hanging accessory,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33B illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the hangingaccessory of FIG. 33A, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 33C illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the hangingaccessory of FIG. 33A, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of a storage and organizationsystem configuration, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of a storage and organizationsystem configuration, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 36A illustrates a front view of a support assembly of a storage andorganization system in a use position, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 36B illustrates a top view of the support assembly of FIG. 36A in ause position, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36C illustrates a top view of the support assembly of FIG. 36A in apartially collapsed position, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 37 illustrates a front view of the support assembly of FIG. 36Awith shells, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 illustrates a front view of a support assembly of a storage andorganization system in a use position, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 39 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rail and portions ofadjacent side walls, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 40 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rail and portions ofadjacent side walls, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 41 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rail and portions ofadjacent side walls, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 42 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rail and portions ofadjacent side walls, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 43 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rail and portions ofadjacent side walls, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 44 illustrates a top view of a pillow, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 45 illustrates a side view of the pillow of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a shelf, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 47 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a shell and aninsert, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of the shell and the insert ofFIG. 47.

FIG. 49 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with an insert and aplurality of boxes, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 50 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a shell and aninsert, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 51 illustrates a perspective view of the insert of FIG. 50 in apartially collapsed position.

FIG. 52 illustrates a perspective view of an insert assembly for usewith a shell, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 53 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a drawer unit,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 54 illustrates a perspective view of a shell, a track and a drawer,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55 illustrates a perspective view the track of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a shell with adrawer support unit, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 57 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a drawer unit,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 58 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a drawer unit,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 59 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a drawer unit,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 60 is an inverted partially exploded view of the drawer unit ofFIG. 59.

FIG. 61 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a drawer unit,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 62 illustrates a partial perspective view of a track and a sliderof the shell and drawer unit of FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a plurality ofstorage boxes, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 64 illustrates a perspective view of one of the storage boxes ofFIG. 63.

FIG. 65 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of one of thestorage boxes of FIG. 62 with side handles and hanging file folders,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 66 illustrates a perspective view of a tray, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 67 illustrates a side view of the tray of FIG. 66.

FIG. 68 illustrates a perspective view of a tray, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 69 illustrates a side view of the tray of FIG. 68.

FIG. 70 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a tray assembly,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 71 illustrates a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 70.

FIG. 72 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a tray, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 73 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a tray, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 74 illustrates a perspective view of a tray, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 75 illustrates a side view of the tray of FIG. 74.

FIG. 76 illustrates a perspective view of a bin, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 77 illustrates a top view of the bin of FIG. 76.

FIG. 78 illustrates a side view of the bin of FIG. 76.

FIG. 79 illustrates a bottom view of the bin of FIG. 76.

FIG. 80 illustrates a detail view of a portion of the bin of FIG. 76.

FIG. 81 illustrates a perspective view of a divider for use with the binof FIG. 76, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 82 illustrates a detail perspective view of a hook of the dividerof FIG. 81.

FIG. 83 illustrates a perspective view of a bin and a tray, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 84 illustrates a perspective view of a lid for the bin of FIG. 76,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 85 illustrates a perspective view of two adjacent bins beingstacked, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 86 illustrates a perspective view of the bin of FIG. 76 with a cap,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 87 illustrates a perspective view of a box with a label, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 88 illustrates a perspective view of the bin of FIG. 76 with alabel hanger, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 89 illustrates a perspective view of a box with a label, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 90 illustrates a perspective view of the bin of FIG. 76 with alabel band, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 91 illustrates an envelope and label, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 92 illustrates a side view of a hanger, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 93 illustrates a front view of the hanger of FIG. 93, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 94 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed support assembly,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 95 illustrates a perspective view of an expanded external box ofthe support assembly of FIG. 94, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 96 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the support assemblyof FIG. 94 when partially assembled, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 97 illustrates a perspective view of the support assembly of FIG.94 when fully assembled, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention

FIG. 98 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a partiallycollapsed shelf assembly, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 99 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a partiallycollapsed shelf assembly, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 100 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a shelf assembly,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 101 illustrates a perspective view of a partially unfolded wallmember of the shelf assembly of FIG. 100, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 102 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a shelf assembly,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 103 illustrates a detailed side view of a shelf and a portion of aside wall of the shelf assembly of FIG. 102, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 104 illustrates a perspective view of a packaged shelf assembly,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 105 illustrates a perspective view of the packaged shelf assemblyof FIG. 104 when partially assembled, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 106 illustrates a perspective view of the packaged shelf assemblyof FIG. 104 when partially assembled, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 107 illustrates a perspective view of the shelf assembly of FIG.104 when fully assembled, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 108 illustrates a cross-sectional detail view of a coupling betweena shelf and a side wall, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 109 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a coupling between ashelf and a side wall, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 110 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a side wall and acoupling device, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 111 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a coupling between theside wall with the coupling device of FIG. 110 and a shelf, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 112 illustrates a side view of a coupling between a shelf and aside wall, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 113 illustrates a side view of a shelf to a side wall, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 114 illustrates a side view of a collapsed shell including separatehinges, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 115 illustrates a perspective view of a hinge in a closed position,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 116 illustrates a perspective view of a hinge of FIG. 115 in anopen position, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 117 illustrates a side view of a collapsed shell with bevelededges, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 118 illustrates a perspective view of a partially collapsed shellwith beveled edges, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 119 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled shell withbeveled edges, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 120 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an inside of theassembled shell of FIG. 119, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 121 illustrates a side view of a partially collapsed shell withsquared edges, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 122 illustrates a perspective view of the shell of FIG. 121 in anassembled position, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 123 illustrates a top view of a shell, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 124 illustrates a top view of a shell, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 125 illustrates a top view of a shell, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 126 illustrates a top view of a shell, according to one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 127 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a shell,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 128 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a shell,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 129 illustrates a perspective view of a shell with a slide-in backpanel, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 130 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed shell, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 131 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the shell of FIG.130 with a frame, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 132 illustrates a perspective view of a collapsed shell with fabrichinges, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 133 illustrates a detailed perspective view of a wall-to-wallcoupling of the shell of FIG. 132, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 134 illustrates a perspective view of the shell of FIG. 132 in anassembled position, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 135 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a wall-to-wallcoupling of a shell, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention

FIG. 136 illustrates a stack of shells using a pillow to facilitatestacking, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 137 illustrates an example display system for displaying componentsof storage and organization systems, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplaryin nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the applicationand uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to bebound by any theory presented in the preceding background of theinvention or the following detailed description of the invention.

A storage and organization system according to the embodiments describedherein is configured to store a plurality of goods, such as a consumer'sbelongings, and to be easily reconfigured to evolve with the changingneeds of the consumer. In one example, the system described herein isconfigured to be assembled without permanency while still providing asturdy and aesthetically pleasing assembly. In one embodiment, althoughthe general components of the system are configured for a plurality ofpurposes, additional accessory and other components are provided andconfigured to interface with the general components to personalize thesystem for use in a particular area of the home, at a particular time ina consumer's life, etc., based on the needs of the consumer. As such, inone example, the storage and organization system is an adaptable,aesthetically pleasing alternative to the plurality of mismatchedorganizational units generally available in the prior art. In thedescription below, similar reference numerals, for example, 62, 62 a, 62b, 62 c and 62 d, refer to parts that are substantially similar exceptwhere specifically enumerated.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 generally illustrates one embodiment of astorage and organization system 10. Storage and organization system 10includes any suitable combination of a plurality of components such as,for example, shells 12, pillows 14 and accessories 16. The components12, 14 and 16 are assembled into any one of a plurality of possibleconfigurations 18 depending upon the needs and desired use of a consumerwho purchases all or part of storage and organization system 10.

Shells 12 generally provide the overall structure of any configuration18. Shells 12 may be formed of any variety of sizes and are generallyconfigured to be selectively coupled to each other with pillows 14, morespecifically with a connection pillow 20. Other types of pillows, forexample, base pillows 22 and/or top pillows 24 can be added to lift andprovide support to the system 10 and to finish off a top of and increasefunctionality of the system 10, respectively, as will be described indetail below.

Accessories 16 are added to shells 12 as desired to further personalizestorage and organization system 10 and to further define the use of eachshell 12 included therein. For example, accessories 16 may includeinserts 30, doors 32, bins 34, drawers 36, hangers 38 and trays 40 (FIG.34). Shells 12, pillows 14 and accessories 16 are adapted to be coupledto one another in a manner that easily provides for uncoupling andreconfiguration of at least a portion of the shells 12, pillows 14 andaccessories 16 and/or the addition or subtraction of shells 12, pillows14 and/or accessories 16 of configuration 18. Accordingly, storage andorganization system 10 is configured to evolve with the storage andorganizational needs of the consumer.

Shells

As described above, shells 12 provide the basic building blocks ofstorage and organization system 10. In general, referring to FIG. 2,each shell 12 includes a rear panel or wall 50 (FIG. 1) and a pluralityof side panels or walls 52. In one embodiment, rear wall 50 isrectangular and four side walls 52 each extend from a perimeter edge ofrear wall 50 and between two of the other four side walls 52 to form astorage chamber 54 therebetween and an opening 56 between side walls 52opposite rear wall 50. In one embodiment, walls 50 and 52 are arrangedto form shell 12 as a parallelepiped (i.e., a six-faced polyhedron allof whose faces are substantially parallelograms lying in pairs ofsubstantially parallel planes) with opening 56 being an open facethereof. In one example, each of walls 50 and 52 is a substantiallysquare wall. The arrangement of walls 50 and 52 define an intersectionedge 58 (indicated generally in FIG. 2) along the junction of each sidewall 52 with another wall 50 or 52. In addition, four generally linearopening edges 60 are defined around opening 56.

In one embodiment, each shell 12 includes a plurality of rails 62. Eachrail 62 extends outwardly (i.e., away from storage chamber 54) from anassociated intersection edge 58. Additionally referring to thecross-sectional view of FIG. 3A, in one example, each rail 62 extendsfrom an intersection edge 58 with an angle θ measured between a centerline 64 of rail 62, for example, rail 62 a illustrated in FIG. 3A, andan outer surface of an adjacent wall 50 and/or 52 between about 130° andabout 140°. In one embodiment where each rail 62 extends with an angle θof about 135°, rails 62 are symmetrically positioned vertically andhorizontally such that the particular orientation of shells 12 (forexample, which side wall 52 is positioned as the lower wall) is oflittle consequence. Referring to FIG. 2, in one example, a front rail 66similar to rails 62 extends from each open edge 60 of opening 56. Inthis manner, rails 62 and 66 define an external recess 65 of shell 12adjacent each of walls 50 and 52. As will further be described below,rails 62 and recess 65 are configured to interface with and at leastpartially receive pillows 14, respectively, to selectively positionmultiple shells 12 relative to one another and/or are configured toreceive other accessories 16.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3A-3D, thecross-sectional shape of rails 62 may take any one of a variety offorms. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, rail 62 a has a slim,substantially rectangular or linear cross-sectional shape with a roundededge. As such, rail 62 a has a consistent thickness throughout itsextension from an intersection edge 58 of shell 12. In one embodiment,as illustrated in FIG. 3B, each rail 62 b has a bulbous cross-sectionalshape such that a thickness off each rail 62 b varies as each rail 62 bextends from adjacent side walls 52.

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, in one embodiment, each rail 62 c extendswith a substantially triangular shape such that a thickness of rail 62 cgradually increases as each rail 62 c extends from an intersection edge58. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3D, each rail 62 d issimilar to rails 62 c (FIG. 3C), however, each rail 62 d is more roundedat the outer edges thereof. The tapered configuration of rails 62 c and62 d and to some extent of rail 62 b contributes to the overall strengthof shell 12 by providing additional structural framing material about anouter portion thereof. In addition, as will be further described below,the tapered configuration of rails 62 b, 62 c and 62 d also provides amore stable interface for receiving and maintaining accessories 16, suchas hangers 38 as shown in FIG. 1. It should be noted that whileembodiments described herein may illustrate use of one of rails 62 a-62d, generally any of rails 62 a-62 d or other suitable rails 62 can besubstituted for the described and illustrated rails 62 a-62 d. Frontrails 66 may be formed similar to any one of rails 62 a-62 d or anyother shaped rail 62. In one embodiment, all rails 62 and 66 of shell 12are similarly formed.

In one example, as illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A-3D, alip or offset 67 is defined where each wall 50 and 52 transitions to arail 62 or 66. In one embodiment, lip 67 extends outwardly (i.e., awayfrom storage chamber 54) from rear wall 50 or side wall 52 with anorientation substantially perpendicular to the respective side or rearwall 50 or 52, thereby forming a step-like transition from each wall 50or 52 to a corresponding rail 62 or 66. In one embodiment, such as thatillustrated with respect to rail 62 d in FIG. 3D, a ledge 68 extendsfrom lip 67 toward rail 62 d. In one example, ledge 68 extends with asubstantially perpendicular orientation relative to lip 67. Lips 67 andledges 68 add to the structural rigidity of shell 12 and also facilitatesubstantially stable receipt of pillows 14 (FIG. 1) as will be furtherdescribed below.

Each shell 12 can be manufactured of any suitable material such as, forexample, polypropylene, other plastics, acrylic, wood, metal, cardboard,paperboard, woven materials, structural foam or a composite thereof. Inaddition, shells 12 can be formed in any variety of configurations toprovide the strength and aesthetic attributes for a particular use orrange of uses as desired by a consumer. In one embodiment, each shell 12is configured to collapse for substantially flat storage and/orpackaging. As described in further detail below, a variety of shellconstructions such as a parallelogram construction, a handshakeconstruction, a modular construction, or any other suitable constructioncan be used to achieve the flat storage and packaging of shell 12.

Parallelogram Construction

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and B, in one embodiment, a shell 12 a isformed in parallelogram construction. In parallelogram construction,shell 12 a is provided to a consumer in a plurality of pieces configuredto be easily snapped, pressed, or otherwise coupled together generallywithout the use of tools or separate fasteners, such as rivets, screws,bolts, nails, pegs, glue, etc. More specifically, in one embodiment,shell 12 a includes a main body 70, a rear member 72 and a front frame74. Main body 70 includes side walls 52 and rails 62 extending fromintersection edge 58 (generally indicated in FIG. 4A) formed by theintersection of two adjacent side walls 52. Rear member 72 includes rearwall 50 and rails 62 extending around a perimeter thereof. Front frame74 includes front rails 66. In general, rear member 72 and front frame74 are each configured to be snap fit, press fit, or otherwise coupledto main body 70 opposite one another.

Additionally referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, main body 70 isformed as a composite of members. In one example, each side wall 52 isformed of an internal panel 76 and an external panel 78. In oneembodiment, at least one of panels 76 and 78, for example, externalpanel 78, includes a web structure 80 protruding from an inner surfacethereof. Web structure 80 defines a plurality of voids 82 throughout. Assuch, web structure 80 is configured to add to the structural rigidityand integrity of main body 70 while decreasing the amount of materialthat would otherwise be required if side walls 52 were solid. Webstructure 80 has a smaller outer dimension than panels 76 and 78. Withthis in mind, panels 76 and 78 are coupled to each other such that webstructure 80 is interposed therebetween. As such, additionally referringto FIG. 4B, upon construction of a side wall 52, cavities 84 are formedabout a perimeter of side wall 52 between panels 76 and 78. In oneembodiment, respective edges 86 and 88 of panels 76 and 78 are taperedor angled toward each other near the perimeter of side wall 52 topartially close off each cavity 84.

In one example, main body 70 includes hinge members 90. Additionally,referring to the end view illustration of FIG. 6, each hinge member 90includes a rail 62 and coupling extensions 92 and 94 each extending fromrail 62. In one embodiment, rails 62 are substantially hollow while inother embodiments, rails 62 may be solid. Each coupling extension 92 and94 extends along a substantial entirety of a length of rail 62 and isconfigured to couple with a side wall 52. In general, a flex line 96 isformed between rail 62 and each extension 92 and 94. The materialdefining hinge member 90 is substantially thinner at and/or nearboundary line 96 than at other portions of hinge member 90 such thatextensions 92 and 94 are configured to bend or effectively rotaterelative to rail 62.

Referring back to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, each hinge member 90 is coupledwith two adjacent side walls 52. In one example, hinge member 90additionally defines an elongated bead 98 on each coupling extension 92and 94 opposite boundary line 96. Each elongated bead 98 is positionedand secured within a cavity 84 of an adjacent side wall 52. In oneembodiment, elongated bead 98 is ultrasonically welded, adhered, orotherwise secured within cavity 84 of side wall 52.

Upon assembly of the four side walls 52 with the four hinge members 90,a tube-like structure is created. The flexibility of hinge members 90 atboundary lines 96 allows main body 70 to collapse or to be substantiallyflattened as generally shown in the schematic illustration of FIG. 7.The collapsed configuration of main body 70 facilitates flat packing,shipping and storage of shell 12 a. In particular, rear member 72 andfront frame 74 can be stacked on flattened main body 70 to form asubstantially flat arrangement of the members of shell 12 a forpackaging, shipping and storage. Accordingly, the spaced needed forpackaging, shipping, storing, etc. packaged shells 12 is greatlyreduced.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, rear member 72, as described above, includesrear wall 50 and four rails 62 extending about a perimeter thereof. Inaddition, in one embodiment, rear member 72 includes connection flanges100 each extending from one of rails 62 away from rear wall 50. In oneexample, each connection flange 100 includes an indentation 102extending along at least a portion of a length of connection flange 100.Each connection flange 100 is configured to fit between internal panel76 and external panel 78, more particularly, within cavity 84 along therear edges of side walls 52. In one example, one of panels 76 and 78,such as external panel 78, defines a boss or ramp-like feature 104extending into cavity 84 near each of the front edge and the rear edgeof main body 70. Boss 104 is sized to correspond with the size andposition of indentation 102 such that boss 104 engages indentation 102when flange 100 is inserted into cavity 84.

Rear member 72 is configured to interface with main body 70 such thatconnection flanges 100 are positioned within corresponding cavities 84,and bosses 104 are received by the corresponding indentations 102 offlanges 100. Accordingly, main body 70 and rear member 72 are connectedto one another via a snap connection or press fit generallycharacterized by an absence of separate fastening agents such as screws,rivets, nails, staples, adhesive, etc.

Front frame 74 is formed similar to rear member 72 but without a solidface (such as rear wall 50) thereof. As such, front frame 74 definesconnection flanges 100 extending from front rails 66 toward main body 70where each connection flange 100 of front frame 74 includes anindentation 102 configured to receive a boss 104 defined near front edgeof main body 70. Accordingly, front frame 74 is coupled via snap orpress fit with front edge of main body 70 in a similar manner as rearmember 72 is coupled with rear edge of main body 70. In one embodiment,main body 70, rear member 72 and frame 74 are each fully assembled asillustrated in FIG. 4A, but not to each other, during manufacturingprior to being provided to a consumer. As such, upon purchase, aconsumer need only snap main body 70, rear member 72 and frame 74together to construct shell 12 a. Other suitable methods of couplingmain body 70, rear member 72 and frame 74 together are alsocontemplated.

Handshake Construction

As illustrated in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, a shell 12 b is formed in ahandshake construction. Shell 12 b includes a first shell member 120 anda second shell member 122. Each shell member 120 and 122 includes twoopposing side walls 52. First shell member 120 also includes rear wall50 and rails 62 extending therefrom. Second shell member 122 includesfront rails 66 and, in on example, at least one of rails 62. First andsecond shell members 120 and 122 are configured to slidably interfacewith each other to assemble shell members 120 and 122 together with asnap or press fit or other suitable coupling. Although shown in FIG. 8as generally “U”-shaped members, in one example, shell members 120 and122 are each configured to fold about or near rails 62 and/or 66 to layin a substantially flat configuration (not shown).

In one example, first and second shell members 120 and 122 are coupledto one another using a series of flanges 124, tracks 126, protrusions128, receptacle cavities 130, tabs 132 and/or bosses 134. Morespecifically, each edge of side walls 52 that is not adjacent a rail 62in the respective shell member 120 or 122 defines an elongated flange124 extending along the exposed side edge of the corresponding side wall52. Each side rail 62 extends from one of side walls 52 and defines anelongated track 126 extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom.Each track 126 defined by one of shell members 120 and 122 is configuredto receive a corresponding flange 124 of the other shell member 120 or122. Accordingly, upon assembly, shell members 120 and 122 are alignedsuch that all flanges 124 are aligned with one of tracks 126. Shellmembers 120 and 122 slide together such that flanges 124 travel withintracks 126 until each side wall 52 is positioned adjacent both a rail 62adjacent rear wall 50 and a front rail 66.

In one example, shell members 120 and 122 additionally or alternativelydefine protrusions 128 at corners thereof configured to interact withreceptacle cavities 130 of the opposite shell member 120 or 122 tofurther encourage proper alignment and coupling of shell members 120 and122. In one embodiment, each shell member 120 and 122 additionally oralternatively includes a plurality of tabs 132 collectively extendingbetween the opposing side walls 52 included therewith. Each tab 132extends toward the other shell member 120 and 122 and defines an openingor indentation 136 therein. Further, each shell member 120 and 122 alsodefines a reception area 138 configured to receive tabs 132 of the othershell member 120 or 122. In particular, each reception area 138 includesa plurality of bosses 134 each configured to fit within opening orindentation 136 of the other shell member 120 or 122 upon coupling ofthe two shell members 120 and 122 with each other to effectively lockthe two shell members 120 and 122 together with a snap fit connection.Other features such as features 139, etc. may additionally oralternatively be included on shell members 120 and 122 to facilitatecoupling of shell members 120 and 122 together to form shell 12 b. Inone embodiment, all the coupling features of shell members 120 and 122are configured such that the internal and external surfaces of shell 12b upon assembly are presented as substantially flat or planar surfaces.

Modular Construction

Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, a shell 12 c is formed of a rearmember 140, four side members 142 (of which only one exemplary sidemember 142 is illustrated for clarity) and front rails 66 (FIG. 2). Basemember 140 includes rear wall 50 and four rails 62 extending around theperimeter thereof. Each side member 142 includes one side wall 52 andone adjacent rail 62. Base member 140 is configured to be coupled viasnap fit or other coupling to all four side members 142.

In one embodiment, base member 140 defines a flange 144 extendinggenerally perpendicular to rear wall 50 and includes a plurality ofbosses 146 extending substantially perpendicular to the remainder offlange 144 and linearly spaced from one another on flange 144. Each sidemember 142 includes a groove 148 configured to receive flange 144 alongeach of the two edges extending substantially perpendicular to the rail62 included thereon. Each groove 148 includes a plurality of cutouts 150linearly spaced along edges of groove 148 and configured to each receivea boss 146. As such, side member 142 is coupled to rear member 140 by asnap-fit connection in which a flange 144 is placed in a correspondinggroove 148 and/or bosses 146 are placed in corresponding cutouts 150.The other side members 142 (not shown) are similarly coupled with rearmember 140 and are also configured to couple with adjacent rails 62defined by adjacent side members 142 (not shown) to define cavity 54between members 140 and 142.

In one embodiment, front rails 66 (FIG. 2) are all coupled end-to-end toone another similar to front frame 74 (FIG. 4A) and are configured to becoupled with four side members 142 in a similar manner as described withrespect to the coupling of side members 142 with rear member 140. Inthis configuration, shell 12 c is formed of six separately formed piecescoupled together. In one embodiment, rails 62 and 66 may be providedentirely separate from each other and walls 50 and 52 such that rails 62and 66 and walls 50 and 52 are all snap fit or otherwise coupled to oneanother by the consumer after purchase of shell 12 c. Otherconfigurations for relatively easy assembly of a modularly constructedshell 12 are also contemplated.

Although each construction described above refers to shell 12, such asshell 12 a, 12 b, or 12 c, being a cube with substantially square shapedwalls 50 and 52, shell 12 can be any other suitable configuration suchas a rectangular shaped shell 160 as illustrated in FIG. 10. Shell 160includes elongated rectangular shaped top, bottom and rear walls 162,164 and 166, respectively, and smaller side walls 168 and 170 extendingtherebetween opposite one another. In one embodiment, rectangular shapedshell 160 is configured to be easily configured or stacked with shells12. Accordingly, in one example, shell 160 is at least twice as wide asshell 12 as will be further described below. Other configurations forshells are also contemplated and will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reading this application.

Pillows

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, pillows or coupling members 14are configured to selectively couple two or more shells 12 and/or 160relative to one another and/or to otherwise add functional or aestheticcomponents to storage and organization system 10. In one embodiment,pillows 14 are available in different types including standardconnection pillows 20, base pillows 22 and top pillows 24.

Connection Pillows

Connection pillows 20 are configured for selectively coupling two ormore shells 12 and/or 160 to one another. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate oneembodiment of a connection pillow 20 configured for stacking two shells12 in a vertical arrangement. Connection pillow 20 is sized and shapedto correspond to the size and shape of shell 12, more particularly, torecess 65 (FIG. 2) such that pillow 20 snuggly fits or nests at leastpartially within adjacent recesses 65 of stacked shells 12. In oneexample, connection pillow 20 is substantially rectangular or squaredepending on a shape of recess 65. In one embodiment, connection pillow20 defines a first surface 180, a second surface 182 opposite firstsurface 180, a first tapered edge 184, a second tapered edge 186 and aperimeter edge 188.

First and second surfaces 180 and 182 are sized similarly to one anotherand, in one embodiment, are each substantially planar. First taperededge 184 generally extends around and outwardly from first surface 180.More specifically, that first tapered edge 184 generally extends fromfirst surface 180 with an angle dependent on and corresponding to angleθ of rails 62 and 66 (FIGS. 2 and 3A) as will become clear in thedescription below. Second tapered edge 186 generally extends around andoutwardly from second surface 182 at least partially toward firstsurface 180 in a manner similar to how first tapered edge 184 extendsfrom first surface 180. In one example, perimeter edge 188 extendsbetween first and second tapered edges 184 and 186 opposite therespective surfaces 180 and 182. In one embodiment, perimeter edge 188is oriented substantially perpendicular to first and second surfaces 182and 184.

In one embodiment, rather than tapered edges 184 and 186 directlyinterfacing with surfaces 180 and 182, respectively, a setback feature190 is defined around the perimeter of each surface 180 and 182. Setbackfeature 190 is sized, shaped and positioned to correspond with lip 67and ledge 68 of shell 12 (FIGS. 2 and 3A-3D). In this manner, setbackfeature 190 has a height similar to the height of lip 67 and a widthsimilar to a width of ledge 68.

In one example, connection pillow 20 includes a hole 192 extendingthrough the center thereof. Hole 192 is provided to decrease the amountof material used to form connection pillow 20. In one embodiment, hole192 does not substantially decrease the strength of a resulting storageand organization configuration such as configuration 18 (FIG. 1) sincemost of the stresses caused by assembly and loading of shells 12 areprimarily concentrated near the perimeter portions of connection pillow20 and/or corresponding shells 12 thereof that correspond with pillowportions outside of hole 192.

Connection pillow 20 may include any number of additional features tocontribute to the versatility of connection pillow 20. In one example,connection pillow 20 includes a plurality of apertures 194 eachpositioned through a corner portion 195 of connection pillow 20. Eachaperture 194 is configured to receive a connection pin or post of anaccessory such a support leg 196 (FIG. 15) or a caster 198 (FIG. 1) aswill further be described below.

In one embodiment, connection pillow 20 also includes a slot 200extending across a depth or width thereof and, therefore, across hole192. Slot 200 is configured to receive a rail 62 of each of two adjacentshells (not shown) that are equal to or less than half a width of shell12. As such, connection pillow 20 is configured to stack two similarlysized shells 12 as shown in FIG. 12. In one embodiment, where a slot 200is defined through each of surfaces 180 and 182, pillow 20 may be usedto stack two adjacent smaller sized shells on top of two other adjacentsmaller sized shells or on one shell 12 such as shells 270 in FIG. 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, connection pillow 20 is configured to beplaced relative to shells 12 such that first surface and second surfaces180 and 182 each interface with a side wall 52 of an adjacent shell 12.More specifically, connection pillow 20 is at least partially receivedby two recesses 65 corresponding to the two stacked shells 12 facing oneanother. More specifically, additionally referring to FIG. 11 in view ofFIGS. 2 and 3A-3D, connection pillow 20 is positioned such that firstsurface 180 interfaces with a side wall 52, setback feature 190interfaces with lip 67 and ledge 68 around side wall 52, and that firsttapered edge 184 generally interfaces with of rails 62 extending aroundside wall 52 to snuggly position pillow 20 with recess 65 of an adjacentshell 12. The opposing side (i.e. the side associated with secondsurface 182) of connection pillow 20 similarly interfaces with the otherone of the two shells 12.

Since connection pillow 20 is sized and shaped to be snuggly positionedwithin each recess 65, connection pillow 20 selectively couples thestacked shells 12 to one another. In one embodiment, perimeter edge 188is sized to regulate spacing of shells 12. In general, the tallerperimeter edge 188 the further two adjacent shells 12 will be spacedfrom one another upon stacking or other coupling. Coupling of shells 12with connection pillow 20 is beneficial since, in general, no externalfastening agents, such as screws, nails, rivets, stapes, adhesives, etc.need be used. Therefore, a consumer can easily decoupled and/or tootherwise reconfigure shells 12 in a manner allowing shells 12 andconnection pillow 20 to be reused.

In one embodiment, connection pillow 20, or other pillow 14, includesadditional components, such as hooks 202 (FIG. 23), extending fromperimeter edge 188. More specifically, hooks 202 are positioned suchthat when connection pillow 20 is interposed between two stacked shells12, hooks 202 extend outwardly from connection pillow 20 between the twostacked shells 12. As such, connection pillow 20 may add functionalityto the storage and organization system 10 in addition to coupling shells12 to one another.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a connection pillow at 210,similar to connection pillow 20. However, connection pillow 210 iselongated rather than square in shape and sized to rather tightlyinterface with shell 160 of FIG. 10 rather than shell 12 of FIG. 2. FIG.14 illustrates a configuration 212 of one shell 160 and two shells 12coupled by connection pillow 210. In configuration 212, two rails 62 ofthe two shells 12 each are maintained within slot 200 of connectionpillow 210 and serve not only to selectively couple shells 12 to oneanother and shell 160, but also to space side-by-side shells 12 from oneanother in a lateral direction. In another configuration, side-by-sideshells 12 may be replaced with a second shell 160.

Base Pillows

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 15, in general, base pillows 22 are any pillows14 configured to be used as a base, support, stand, or similar componentof a storage and organization configuration. As such, base pillows 22are configured to provide additional functionality or at least providefor clearance or additional aesthetic appeal of any configurationutilizing one or more base pillows 22. In one embodiment, additionalcomponents such as legs 196 and/or casters 198 can be added toconnection pillow 20 (FIG. 11) or connection pillow 210 to convert suchconnection pillows 20 and 210 into a base pillow 22. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 15, legs 196 each include a main portion 220 and apin or peg 222 extending upwardly therefrom. Main portion 220 may be anysuitable size and shape, and pin 222 is sized to be received within anaperture 194 of pillow 210 to couple pillow 210 with leg 196. Asgenerally shown in FIG. 1, casters 198 may include a similar pin (notshown) and may be similarly attached to any base pillow 22. In thismanner, legs 196 or casters 198 are one example of means for elevatingcorresponding components from a support surface (not shown) such as afloor. Following coupling of legs 196 or casters 198 to base pillow 22,shells 12 or other shells may be stacked thereon as shown in FIG. 15.

In other embodiments, base pillows 22 may be specifically manufacturedto serve as base pillows 22 rather than as connection pillows 20 and210. In such embodiments, legs 196 or casters 198 may be permanentlycoupled with base pillow 22. In one such embodiment, base pillow 22 onlyincludes a tapered edge 184 on a top side thereof and second taperededge 186 may be eliminated. Other changes to pillows to act solely asbase pillows 22 rather than connection pillows 20 will be apparent tothose of skill in the art upon reading this application.

Top Pillows

Top pillows 24 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 16) are configured to be received by thetop shells 12, 160 and/or 270 in a given storage and organizationconfiguration such as configuration 224 illustrated in FIG. 16. Toppillows 24 similar to connection pillows 20 are configured to bereceived within the top recesses 65 (FIG. 2) of shells 12 and/or 160.More specifically, top pillows 24 may include second tapered edge 186,etc. to facilitate stacking of top pillow 24 on and with recess 65 ofshells 12, 160 and/or 1270. However, the top portion of each top pillow24 provides a functional component that is accessible for generalinteraction with a consumer rather than first tapered edge 184 ofconnection pillow 20. For instance, top pillow 24 a illustrated in FIG.16 provides a substantially flat work surface 226. Top pillows 24 mayinclude any variety of functional components to facilitate a consumer inpersonalizing any storage and organizational configuration forparticular purposes. For instance, a top pillow 24 may include pegs 228of a mail organizer 229 as illustrated in FIG. 1, vases, containers,trays, racks (such as compact disc racks or ridges for receiving compactdiscs), etc.

Other Connection Devices

Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, it is generally desired to spaceside-by-side shells 12 a similar distance apart as vertically stackedshells 12 are spaced to maintain clean and uniform appearance. Forexample, rail-to-rail connection clips 230 (FIGS. 17 and 18), pillow-topillow connector 232 (FIG. 19), clamps 234 (FIG. 20), zip connectors 236(FIG. 21), or other additional connection devices may be provided.

Rail-to-Rail Connection Clip

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate one embodiment of rail-to-rail connectionclip 230. Rail-to-rail connection clip 230 is configured to receive twoadjacent rails 62 of side-by-side shells 12. Rail-to-rail connectionclip 230 is an at least partially elastomeric member defining twocavities 240 each configured to receive a rail 62 of adjacent shells 12.A center portion 242 of rail-to-rail connection clip 230 extends betweenrails 62 and is configured to at least partially maintain the lateralspacing of shells 12 from each other. In one embodiment, the twocavities 240 are symmetrically positioned on either side of centerportion 242.

Outer portions 244 of rail-to-rail connection clip 230 extend over eachrail 62 opposite center portion 242. Since rails 62 are at leastpartially surrounded by rail-to-rail connection clip 230, rail-to-railconnection clip 230 not only serves to laterally position shells 12relative to one another but also stabilizes shells 12 from rotatingrelative to one another due to various loads that may be applied theretoduring use. To further facilitate stabilization of shells 12 andcoupling of rail-to-rail connection clip 230 to shells 12, in oneembodiment, rail-to-rail connection clip 230 additionally includes alongitudinal rib 246 inwardly extending from outer portion 244 tointerface with one of rails 62. In one example, rail 62 includes acorresponding longitudinal groove 248 configured to receive rib 246.Although illustrated as having a rib 246 on only one of outer portions244, in one embodiment, a rib 244 is included on each of outer portions244, and each rib 246 extends inwardly therefrom to interface with oneof two adjacent rails 62.

Rail-to-rail connection clip 230 may be formed of any suitable material.In one embodiment, rail-to-rail connection clip 230 is formed of anelastomeric material to allow rail-to-rail connection clip 230 to beselectively coupled to and uncoupled from adjacent rails 62 therebyfurther contributing to the ability of storage and organization system10 (FIG. 1) to evolve or be reconfigured due to a change of use or ofconsumer needs.

Pillow-to-Pillow Connector

As illustrated in FIG. 19, in one embodiment, a pillow-to pillowconnector 232 is included in storage and organization system 10 (FIG. 1)to tie two side-by-side adjacent pillows 14 together. To facilitate useof pillow-to pillow connector 232, each pillow 14 includes a hole orslot 250 therethrough relatively near each perimeter edge 188 (FIG. 11).Pillow-to pillow connector 232 is generally “M”-shaped. The outer legsare configured to fit into two adjacent holes 250 of pillows 14, and theinner legs are configured to interface with tapered edges 184 andperhaps even perimeter edge 188 portions of pillows 14 positionedadjacent to each other. In this manner, pillow-to pillow connector 232is configured to facilitate maintenance of lateral pillow-to-pillowspacing and to generally decrease rotation of pillows 14 relative to oneanother. Other pillow-to pillow connectors are also contemplated.

Clamp Connector

FIG. 20 illustrates one embodiment of a clamp connector 234 coupled withrails 62 of two adjacent shells 12. In general, clamp connector 234includes two hooks 260, which are each configured to engage side-by-sideshells 12, and a resilient, elastomeric band 262 or other tensionapplying member. In one embodiment, hooks 260 are generally V-shaped.Each hook 260 is placed and suitably secured at an edge interfacebetween two adjacent shells 12. Elastomeric band 262 is placed withineach hook 260 and extends therebetween along opposing sides of twoadjacent rails 62 of adjacent shells 12. In this manner, elastomericband 262 holds rails 62 relatively tight to one another in theside-by-side configuration. Use of other suitable tension-basedconnectors is also contemplated.

Zip Connector

FIG. 21 illustrates one embodiment of zip connector 236 configured tointerface with side-by-side shells 12. Zip connector 236 includes aspacer 263 and a connection strip 264. Spacer 263 is an elongated blockor any other suitable spacer configured to be placed between rails 62 ofadjacent shells 12 to maintain the lateral spacing thereof. Connectionstrip 264 extends across a top portion of spacer 263 such that spacer263 and connection strip 264 collectively define a “T”-shapedconfiguration. In one embodiment, connection strip 264 is coupled with atop surface of spacer 263.

Connection strip 264 has a width configured to allow connection strip264 to interface with an inner surface of adjacent rails of separateshells 12. In particular, connection strip 264 defines an elongated rib266 near outer edges 265 of connection strip 264. In one embodiment, rib266 is formed with a substantially wedge shaped cross-section; however,rib 266 may be formed in any suitable configuration. Each correspondingrail 62 defines an elongated groove 268 configured to engage with rib266 of connection strip 264. As such, connection strip 264 is initiallypositioned at least partially over rail 62 in a manner aligning rib 266with groove 268.

Subsequently, pressure is applied to connection strip 264 over rib 266forcing rib 266 into groove 268 in a “zip” manner similar to the sealingof a reclosable sandwich bag. A similar process is performed withrespect to rail 62 of the adjacent shell 12. As such, upon couplingconnection strip 264 with each rail 62, adjacent shells 12 includingrails 62 are coupled to one another with a spacing dictated by a size ofspacer 263. In one embodiment, zip connector 236 is configured to beuncoupled from rails 62 by pulling connection strip 264 away from rails62 to disengage rib 266 from within groove 268. Connection devices otherthan rail-to-rail connection clips 230 (FIGS. 17 and 18), pillow-topillow connector 232 (FIG. 19), clamp connectors 234 (FIG. 20), zipconnectors 236 (FIG. 21) are also contemplated for use to supplementshell 12 coupling with pillows 14.

In one embodiment, no matter what pillow 14 and/or connection device isused, multiple sized rectangular shells 12, 160 and 270 may be usedtogether to define a storage and organization configuration, forexample, configuration 272 illustrated in FIG. 22. In general, it isdesirable that the vertical spacing of shells 12, 160 and 270 is similarto the lateral spacing of shells 12, 160 and 270. Therefore, where aportion of perimeter edge 188 (FIG. 11) of pillows 14 that is revealedbetween two adjacent shells 12, 160 and/or 270 has a height of P, thenshells 12, 160 and 270 are configured to be positioned to have a lateralspacing between them a distance equal to the height P such that allshells 12, 160 and/or 270 whether stacked or positioned next to oneanother are consistently spaced from each other.

Keeping the above spacing objectives in mind, the plurality of shellsizes are provided to complement one another. For instance, shells 270have a width of S_(A), shells 12 have a width of S_(B), and shells 160have a width of S_(C) where width S_(A) is less than width S_(B) andwidth S_(B) is less than width S_(C). More specifically, width S_(B) ofshell 12 is less than half width S_(C) of shell 160. As such, two shells12 can be stacked on, under, or beside one of shells 160. In particular,the size of shells 12 relative to shells 160 is at least partiallydependent on the size of pillows 14 used to couple shells 12, 160 and270 to one another. For example, in one embodiment where the reveal ofpillow 14 between adjacent/stacked shells 12, 160 and 270 has a heightof P, thenS _(B)=(S _(C) −P)/2

In this manner, the overall width of two shells 12 and any spacing orpillow 14 therebetween is equal to the width of shell 160. As such, aneat overall perimeter appearance of storage and organizationconfiguration 272 is achieved. Notably, the same reasoning holds truefor shells 12 and 270. Specifically, similar reasoning provides thatS _(A)=(S _(B) −P)/2as will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisapplication.

The coordinating sizes and shapes of shells 12, 160 and 270 and theselective coupling of shells 12, 160, 270 allow for easy reconfigurationof shells as desired by the consumer. For example, referring to FIGS. 1and 23, in one example, shells 12 of FIG. 1 can be removed fromconfiguration 18 and added to a new configuration 278 illustrated inFIG. 23. For example, the lower right hand shell 12 of configuration 18can be removed therefrom and placed on a new base pillow 22 inconfiguration 278 and so on and so forth. Similar accessories 16 such ashanger 38 may also be moved from configuration 18 to configuration 278.New accessories such as new insert 282 may be incorporated while otheraccessories such as insert 30 may not be incorporated in configuration278. Other mixing of shells 12, pillows 14 and accessories 16 will beapparent to one of skill in the art upon reading the presentapplication.

Accessories

Whether or not various sized shells 12, 160 and 270 are used, variousaccessories 16 are provided for use in storage and organizationconfigurations. For example, as shown in the storage and organizationconfigurations of FIGS. 1 and 23 accessories 16 may include inserts 30,doors 32, bins 34, drawers 36, hangers 38, trays 40 (FIG. 39). While theaccessories 16 are described below primarily with respect to shells 12,it should be understood that similar accessories are also contemplatedfor shells of all sizes, such as shells 160 and 270.

Inserts

Referring to FIG. 1, inserts 30 are configured to be placed withinshells 12 to divide shell 12 into multiple compartments 280 or tootherwise configure the shell 12 for a particular storage or otherfunctional purpose. Insert 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a substantiallyplanar shelf, however, other inserts are also contemplated, for example,insert 282 of FIG. 23 divides shell 12 into four compartments 280. Inone embodiment, insert 282 is configured to form compartments 280 sizedfor a particular purpose, such as to store compact discs, to storeshoes, to receive a box of a certain size, to receive wine or otherbottles, etc.

FIG. 24 illustrates one embodiment of insert 282. Insert 282 includes ahorizontal divider 284 and a vertical divider 286 extending through acenter portion of horizontal divider 284 to form a general “X” or “T”shape. In one embodiment, horizontal divider 284 has a perpendicularorientation relative to vertical divider 286. In one example, insert 282includes connection clips or protrusions 288 configured to interact withshell 12 to at least partially maintain insert 282 in place relative toshell 12. Clips 288 extend outwardly from one or more of exposed edges290, 292, 294 and 296 of insert 282. In one embodiment, clips 288 areconfigured to be received by grooves or notches 298 formed in internalsurfaces 300 of shell 12 as generally indicated in FIG. 2, therebycoupling insert 288 to shell 12. In one example, clips 288 are springloaded such that clips 288 retract when inward pressure, as generallyindicated by arrow 302 of FIG. 24, is applied to clip 288, such as aclip extending from edge 290. Clip 288 extends back out from edge 290when the pressure 302 is removed. In one embodiment, a portion 304 ofclip 288 is accessible via a side surface of the respective divider 284or 286 such that a consumer can interact with portion 304 of clip 288 tomanually trigger clip retraction and extension. The retractable natureof clips 288 facilitates positioning of the associated insert 288 withinshell 12. Use of suitable inserts other than inserts 30 and 288 is alsocontemplated.

Doors

In one embodiment, doors such as clip-on door 32 (FIGS. 1 and 25A),hinge door 310 (FIG. 26), overhead storage door 312 (FIGS. 27A and 27B),pull-out door 314 (FIG. 29), etc. may be included in storage andorganization system 10 (FIG. 1) to cover shell openings 56 (FIG. 25A) toconceal the associated storage chamber 54 and any item(s) storedtherein. Doors can be coupled to shell 12 in any number ofconfigurations. In one embodiment, doors are provided to consumers forpurchase separate from shells 12. In one example, shells 12 areconfigured to receive doors if desired by the consumer such that a doorcan generally be added to any shell 12.

Clip-On Door

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate one embodiment of clip-on door 32. Clip-ondoor 32 is configured to be coupled with shell 12 via one front rail 66of shell 12 and is configured to rotate about the one front rail 66 toopen and close opening 56 of shell 12. Clip-on door 32 includes asubstantially planar panel 320 and a hook or connection member 322.Panel 320 is rectangular, for example, is square, and is configured tosubstantially cover opening 56 of shell 12. Hook 322 extends from alinear edge 324 of panel 320. Hook 322 is generally “U”-shaped andspecifically configured to fit over front rail 66 of shell 12 in amanner allowing rotation of clip-on door 32 about front rail 66. Forinstance, hook 322 may be sized slightly larger than front rail 66 toallow movement of clip-on door 32 relative to front rail 66. In oneembodiment, hook 322 is configured to deform slightly to permit rotationof clip-on door 32 about front rail 66. Other configurations of clip-ondoor 32 configured to interact with and rotate about front rail 66 arealso contemplated.

Hinge Door

FIG. 26 illustrates shell 12 with hinge door 310 rotatably coupledthereto. In particular, shell 12 additionally defines pegs 330. Each peg330 extends inwardly from a front rail 66 or a portion of shell 12adjacent thereto toward an opposite front rail 66. Pegs 330 may beformed integral with shell 12 or, in one embodiment, shell 12 includes acavity configured to receive a separately formed peg 330 configured tobe added to shell 12 with hinge door 310.

Hinge door 310 generally defines a main panel 332 and two flanges 334.Main panel is sized to substantially cover opening 56 of shell 12. Eachflange 334 extends generally perpendicular to main panel 332 fromopposite edges of main panel 332. Each flange 334 defines an aperture336 extending therethrough and sized to receive one of pegs 330.

In one embodiment, flanges 334 each have sufficient flexibility to allowmanipulation of flanges 334 while flanges 334 are being positioned toeach receive a different peg 330 through the corresponding aperture 340thereof. Once pegs 330 are seated through apertures 340 of flanges 334,hinge door 310 is configured to rotate about an axis axially definedthrough the pegs 330. Other methods of attaching a rotating door toshell 12 such as with an actual hinge mechanism, etc. are alsocontemplated.

Overhead Storage Door

FIGS. 27A, 27B and 28 collectively illustrate a shell 12 with anoverhead storage door 312. Overhead storage door 312 is sized and shapedto substantially cover opening 56 of shell 12. Overhead storage door 312is coupled with shell 12 and is configured to move from a closedposition (not shown) to a partially open positioned of FIG. 27A andfinally to a stowed position of FIG. 27B. In particular, from the closedposition, overhead storage door 312 is rotated, as generally indicatedin FIG. 27A at 340, to move overhead storage door 312 away from opening56 of shell 12. Once overhead storage door 312 is fully or otherwisesufficiently rotated, overhead storage door 321 is slid back intostorage chamber 54 of shell 12, as generally indicated at 342 in FIG.27B, to selectively position overhead storage door 312 in an openposition.

To facilitate this movement and storage of overhead storage door 312, inone embodiment, a track 344 illustrated in FIG. 28 is added to shell 12near a top front rail 66 and extends back into storage chamber 54 ofshell 12 extending generally parallel to the topmost side wall 52. Onetrack 344 is provided to extend substantially parallel with and near toeach side wall 52 adjacent topmost side wall 52. In one embodiment,track 344 is provided with a clearance distance C from a bottom surfaceof topmost front rail 66. Clearance distance C is generally greater thana thickness of overhead storage door 312. Track 344 is configured tosupport overhead storage door 312 as it is slid into the stowed positionand while overhead storage door 312 is stowed. In particular, overheadstorage door 312 is configured to be moved along and to rest upon track344. In one embodiment, shell 12 additionally includes a stop 346extending from a front rail 66. Stop 346 is configured to generallyprevent overhead storage door 312 from rotating into storage chamber 54of shell 12. Other suitable methods of attaching and storing an overheadstorage door 312 are also contemplated.

Pull-Out Door

FIG. 29 illustrates one embodiment of shell 12 with pull-out door 314.Pull-out door 314 generally includes a front panel 350 and two sidepanels 352 each extending from an opposite edge of front panel 350 backinto shell 12. In one embodiment, front panel 350 is sized and shapedsimilar to or slightly larger than opening 56 of shell 12 such thatfront panel 350 is configured to close opening 56. In one example,pull-out door 314 is rotatably coupled with shell 12 near a bottomportion thereof, and each side panel 352 has a generally rounded topedge 354 to facilitate rotation of pull-out door 314 relative to shell12. As such, pull-out door 314 can be rotated about its coupling withshell 12, as generally indicated at 356, to open and close opening 56 ofshell 12. In one embodiment, hardware, such as a handle, knob, etc. canbe added to pull out door 314 or any other of doors 32, 310 and 312.

Bins

FIG. 30 illustrates one embodiment of a bin 34 with bin accessories 360.Bin 34 is sized to fit within shell 12 (or in one embodiment, shell 160or shell 270) as illustrated with additional reference to FIGS. 1 and23. In one embodiment, bin 34 substantially fills storage chamber 54 ofshell 12. Bin 34 includes side panels 362 extending from a bottom 364 ofbin 34 and coupled to one another to define a storage cavity 366therebetween. In one embodiment, side panels 362 are arranged in agenerally rectangular configuration. In one example, side panels 362gradually taper outward as they extend from bottom 364 to a top opening368 in bin 34.

In one example, bin 34 additionally includes a rim 370 and a flange 372.Rim 370 extends from side panels 362 around a perimeter of top opening368 in a direction substantially parallel to bottom 364 of bin 34.Flange 372 extends downwardly from and around rim 370 opposite sidepanels 362. Rim 370 and flange 372 add to the rigidity and strength ofbin 34. Bin 34 may be formed of any suitable material such as plastic,acrylic, metal, wood, cardboard, fabric, natural or synthetic fibers,etc.

In one example, bin accessories 360 include at least one of a divider374 and a tray 376. Divider 374 includes a planar member 377 having anouter perimeter configured to fit within cavity 366 and to interfacewith bottom 364 and two opposing side panels 362 of bin 34. In oneexample, a hanger member 378 extends from each side edge of planarmember 377 upward and is configured to interact with at least one of rim370 and flange 372 to generally hang planar member 377 within cavity366. In one embodiment, internal surfaces of bottom 264 and/or sidepanels 362 include one or more of ribs, grooves or other featuresconfigured to interface with divider 374 to further secure divider 374within cavity 366. Once positioned in cavity 366, divider 374 dividescavity 366 into at least two separate parts.

Tray 376 is configured to fit within cavity 366 and provides at leastone compartment 380 configured to receive any of a plurality of smallitems (not shown). In one embodiment, tray 376 is maintained in a topportion of cavity 366 due at least in part to interaction between tray376 and divider 374, grooves or indentation of side panels 362 in cavity366, or other suitable feature for suspending tray 376 in bin 34 arealso contemplated. Divider 374 and tray 376 provide example componentsfor customizing bin 34 for particular storage needs of the consumer.

Additionally referring to FIG. 31, in one embodiment, a lid 390 isprovided for covering bin 34. In one embodiment, lid 390 is one of alift-off lid, a hinged lid, a sliding lid, or any other lid suitable tocover opening 368 (FIG. 30) of bin 34. In one example, flange 372 of bin34 includes cutouts or indentations 392 therein configured to receiveplanar protrusions 394 extending from an edge of lid 390. Indentations392 and protrusions 394 collectively facilitate proper alignment of lid390 with bin 34.

Although primarily described herein as being a bin 34, other itemsforming storage compartments and configured to fit within shells 12,160, or 270 are also contemplated. For example, boxes, fabric or wovenbaskets, or other suitable containers with or without lids, covers,tops, etc. may be incorporated into storage and organization system 10.

Drawers

FIG. 32 illustrates on embodiment of a drawer 36 configured to bereceived within shell 12 (or, in other embodiments, shell 160 or shell270). In one example, drawer 36 has a rectangular or square crosssectional shape and defines a compartment 402 for storing any of avariety of items. In one embodiment, drawer 36 is sized and shaped tosubstantially fill shell 12 as illustrated with reference to FIG. 34. Inother embodiments, drawer 36 may be sized to fit within a portion ofshell 12, such as a compartment 280 formed by insert 282 (FIG. 23).

In one embodiment, drawer 36 inherently defines a handle 404, such as anindentation, flange, groove, hole, etc. for a consumer to grasp tofacilitate opening and closing drawer 36. In one embodiment, a handle,knob, etc. may be coupled with drawer to facilitate opening and closingof drawer 36 in addition to or as an alternative to handle 404. Drawer36 can be made of any suitable material such as plastic, acrylic, metal,wood, cardboard, fabric, natural or synthetic fibers, etc.

Hangers

In general, a hanger is any accessory 16 (FIG. 1) configured to be hungfrom one or more rails 62 and/or 66. One example of a hanger 38 isillustrated in FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C. Hanger 38 includes a main panel410, one or more hooks 412 extending from an upper portion of main panel410 and a functional component 420. Main panel 410 is substantiallyplanar and sized smaller than side wall 52 (FIG. 23) such that hooks 412of hanger 38 can hang at least partially within a recess 65 (FIG. 23)thereof. Each hook 412 extends in a first direction angled from mainpanel 410 and curves back on itself to extend by toward main panel 410.Hook 412 is specifically configured to coordinate with rails 62 and 66of shell 12. For instance, where shell 12 includes linear rail 62 a(FIG. 3A), hook 412 defines a cavity 416 a shaped similar to butslightly larger than linear rail 62 a. As such hook 412 can be placedover rail 62 a to hang hanger 38 therefrom. In one embodiment, whereshell 12 includes tapered rail 62 d (FIG. 3D), a cavity 416 a is formedby hook 412 d and is shaped similar to but slightly larger than taperedrail 62 d such that hook 412 d can be placed over rail 62 d to hanghanger 38 therefrom. Hooks 412 are linearly aligned with one another tosuch that two hooks 412 could be replaced with a single more elongatedhook (not shown).

In one embodiment the topmost leg 418 of hanger hook 412 or 412 a has anat least partially elastomeric nature, such that leg 418 can be bent orrotated away from the remainder of hook 412 or 412 a to facilitatepositioning of hook 412 or 412 a on a rail 62 or 66 as illustrated inFIG. 1. Following positioning of hook 412 or 412 a, topmost leg 418moves back to the original position of leg 418 to capture rail 62 of 66within cavity 416 or 416 a of hook 412 or 412 a as generally illustratedwith reference to FIG. 23.

Functional component 420 extends from main panel 410 or directly fromhooks 412. In one embodiment, functional component 420 is any suitablecomponent such as a pouch, container, clip, hook, chalkboard, whiteboard, corkboard, mirror, hanging rod, dry rack, peg, etc. Asillustrated in FIG. 33A, functional component 420 includes a hollow casecoupled with main panel 410 to define a cavity 422 therebetween forholding letters, magazines, files, keys, or any other suitably sizeditem. Other hanger configurations will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art upon reading this application. For example, a hanger424 including a hanging rod and configured to be hung between two rails62 or 66 of spaced apart shells 12 maybe included as illustrated in FIG.35. FIG. 35 also illustrates a dry rack hanger 426. Hangers, such ashangers 38, 424 and 426, generally can be formed of any suitablematerial such as fabric, plastic, metal, acrylic, cardboard, corkboard,whiteboard, etc.

Other Accessories

Any other numbers of accessories can be included in storage andorganization system 10 (FIG. 1) of the present invention to personalizeshells 12, 160 and 270 and pillows 14, 20, 22, 24 and 210 thereof for aparticular use, for a particular preference, for a particular season,etc. as a consumer sees fit. For example, with reference to FIG. 34, inone embodiment, tray 40 is similar to a top pillow 24 in that tray 40includes tapered features (not shown), etc. configured to fit within atop recess 65 of shell 12. Tray 40 may additionally include a servicesurface, compartments 430, etc. where tray 40 can be easily removed fromshell 12 and used in other purposes otherwise unrelated to storage andorganization system 10.

In one embodiment, the additional accessories include boxes 432 andbaskets 434 as shown in the storage and organization systemconfiguration generally illustrated at 440 in FIG. 34. The accessoriesof configuration 440 or any other configuration may also include insetsor panels 436. Insets 436 may be coupled with doors of configuration 440or may alternatively be positioned within a side or top recess 65 tochange the appearance and/or function of configuration 440. In oneexample, inset 436 includes an outer surface covered in fabric,corkboard, woven material, white board, etc. Other insets orcustomization features for use with the storage and organization systemwill be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisapplication.

In one embodiment, in addition to being coupled with other components inthe storage and organization system, shells 12, 160, 270 and/or otheraccessories can be used alone. For example, in one embodiment, inaddition or as an alternative to being stacked with other shells 12, ashell 12 may be hung on a wall 442. In one embodiment, other items suchas accessories 16, etc. are configured for hanging or other uses as analternative to use with other stacked shells 12, 160 and 270.

Configurations and Reconfiguration

As described above, storage and organization system 10 (FIG. 1) includesbase components including shells 12, 160 and 270, pillows 14, 20, 22, 24and 210 and accessories 16 or any combination thereof that are adaptedto be reconfigured, supplemented, repurposed, rotated, rearranged, etc.to evolve with the changing storage and organizational needs ofconsumers. For instance, the same shell 12 may be used at a first pointin time in storage and organization system configuration 18 (FIG. 1) andat subsequent points in time may be used in any one or more of storageand organization system configurations, for example, configurations 272(FIG. 22), 278 (FIG. 23), 440 (FIG. 34), etc. and vice versa. In oneembodiment, use of pillows 14, 20, 22, 24 and 210 alone or incombination with additional connection devices 230, 232, 234, 236, etc.rather than conventional more permanent fastening agents, for example,screws, rivets, adhesive, bolts, etc., facilitates the evolution of thestorage and organization system 10 described herein by reconfiguration.

FIG. 35 illustrates one example storage and organization systemconfiguration 460 specifically configured for a dedicated purpose,namely for use in a laundry room. In configuration 460, a plurality ofshells 12, 160 and 270 are arranged into two stacks 462 and 464. In oneembodiment, one or more of shells 12, 160 and 270 are provided tosupport the belongings of the consumer, such as folded clothes, linensand other laundry items generally indicated at 466. In one example,others of shells 12, 160 and/or 270 each receive a bin 34. Bins 34 maybe used for any purpose assigned by the consumer, such as laundrybaskets, storage containers, etc.

In one embodiment, given a standard sizing of shells 12, 160 and 270,products, for example, products 468, may be specifically sized andmanufactured to fit within one of shells 12, 160 and 270 to allowproducts 468 maintained in shells 12, 160, or 270 to be stacked with andselectively secured to the remainder of configuration 460 or any otherstorage and organization system configuration. In addition to beingsized to fit within shells 12, 160 and/or 270, in one example, products468 are consumable products configured to be dispensed or otherwiseaccessed while they are stored in a respective shell 12, 160, or 270. Inone embodiment, the size of shells 12, 160 and 270 is selected based oncommon sizes for typical mass produced items such as products 468. Inone example, otherwise sized shells are specifically manufactured basedon the size, shape, or other properties of a specific product 468.

In one example, more specialized accessories can be added to storage andorganization system configuration 460. For example, a specializedstorage bin or rack 470 may be provided and maintained within one ofshells 12, 160 and 270 for storing shoes 472. In one example, hangers424 and 426 are also included in storage and organization systemconfiguration 460. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 35, hangingrod hanger 424 extends between stacks 462 and 464 such that clothingitems 474 can be selectively hung from hanger 424. Dry rack hanger 426is hung from stack 462 for hanging clothing or other laundry items 476for air drying. Other arrangements, combinations, etc. of the storageand organization system components described herein or otherwiseapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application forany purpose(s) assigned by the consumer are also contemplated.

Additional Support Assemblies

FIGS. 36A-36C illustrate one embodiment of a support assembly 500configured to receive components of storage and organization system 10(FIG. 1). In one embodiment, support assembly 500 provides analternative or supplement to component (e.g. shells) association withpillows 20, 22, 24 and 210. In one example, support assembly 500provides additional support and overall rigidity to a resulting storageand organization system configuration such as configuration 501illustrated with additional reference to FIG. 37.

In one embodiment, support assembly 500 includes elongated verticalmembers 502, 504 and 506, which are substantially similar to one anotherand are laterally spaced from each other. Each vertical member 502, 504and 506 includes one or more support members 508 extending from a sidesurface thereof toward another one of vertical members 502, 504 and 506.Additionally referring to FIG. 37, each support member 508 provides forthe support of a shell 12, a shelf 510, or other system component.

In one embodiment, each support member 508 longitudinally extends alonga substantial portion of a depth of each vertical member 502 asillustrated, for example, in FIG. 36B. In one embodiment, each supportmember 508 may be a more discrete point support or peg that ispositioned to extend from vertical member 502, 504, or 506 in verticalalignment with another discrete support for collectively supporting ashell 12, shelf 510 or other component.

Support member 508 may be formed of any suitable size and shape. In oneembodiment, support member 508 is formed with a beveled or angled shapedconfigured to correspond with the size, shape and angled orientation ofrails 62 and/or 66 of shells 12 (FIG. 2). In this manner, shell 12, whenplaced to rest on two or more support members 508, at least partiallyreceives each support member 508 in a recess 65 (FIG. 2) of shell 12. Asa result, the bottom-most front rail 66 may partially or fully cover therespective support members 508 as generally illustrated in FIG. 37. Inone example, shelves 510 include a front rail (not shown) similar tobottom-most front rail 66 of shell 12 such that upon placement ofshelves 510 on support members 508, support members 508 aresubstantially hidden from view.

Referring once again to FIGS. 36A and 36B, in one embodiment, a backpanel 520 is coupled to a rear edge of and extends between verticalmembers 502, 504 and 506 to brace support assembly 500. Back panel 520is configured to regulate the horizontal spacing of vertical members502, 504 and 506 and may additionally provide structural rigidity tosupport assembly 500 and ultimately configuration 501 (FIG. 37). Inaddition, back panel 520 provides a substantially clean, solidappearance for support assembly 500 when viewed from the back. Backpanel 520 is formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, cloth,metal, wood, fiberboard, cardboard, etc.

In one example, back panel 520 defines fold or crease lines as generallyindicated at 522 in FIGS. 36A and 36B. Fold lines 522 allow supportassembly 500 to be collapsed or folded into a smaller more flatconfiguration for packaging, storage, etc. In particular, additionallyreferring to FIG. 36C, in one embodiment, when a force such as force 530is applied to vertical member 506, back panel 520 is configured to foldalong fold line 522 to collapse or fold support assembly 500 forpacking, storage, etc.

FIG. 38 illustrates another support assembly 540 similar to supportassembly 500 of FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C and 37 except where specificallyenumerated. In support assembly 540, back panel 520 of support assembly500 is replaced with back braces 542. In one example, each back brace542 extends between at least two of vertical members 502, 504 and 506 tolaterally and rotationally stabilize support assembly 540. In oneembodiment, back braces 542 are coupled with vertical members 502, 504and 506 in a diagonal and/or crossing manner. Back braces 542, in oneexample, are coupled with each vertical member 502, 504 and 506 to allowcollapse of vertical members 502, 504 and 506 toward each other forpacking and storage of support assembly 540 in a manner similar to thatdescribed above with respect to FIG. 36C. With this in mind, back braces542 can be formed of any suitable material, for example, substantiallyrigid materials such as plastic, acrylic, wood, metal, etc. and isselectively coupled to or has an adjustable coupling with verticalmembers 502, 504 and/or 506 to allow for folding of support assembly540. In one embodiment, back braces 542 are less rigid and are formed ofother suitable materials such as wire, cable, etc. configured to providestrength and stabilization to support assembly 540 by way of tensioncreated in back braces 542 during use of support assembly 540. Supportassembly 540 is configured to support shells 12, shelves 510, or othercomponents in a manner similar to that described with respect to supportassembly 500. Use of other suitable support assemblies is alsocontemplated.

More on Shells

FIGS. 39-43 each illustrate a cross section of a different embodiment ofa hinge member and adjacent side walls configured to function in asimilar manner as and as an alternative to hinge members 90 and sidewalls 52 described with respect to FIGS. 5-7. For example, FIG. 39illustrates hinge member 600 including a rail 62, a coupling rib 602 andcoupling extensions 604. An intersection 606 is formed between rail 62and coupling rib 602. More specifically, coupling rib 602 extends fromintersection 606 in a substantially opposite direction as compared torail 62. In one embodiment, hinge member 600 substantially narrows atintersection 606 such that the material defining hinge member 600 issubstantially thinner at and/or near intersection 606 than at otherportions of hinge member 600. As a result, hinge member 600 isconfigured such that coupling rib 602 is able to repeatedly bend oreffectively rotate relative to rail 62 about intersection 606 withoutsignificantly weakening or breaking rail 62 along intersection 606.

In one embodiment, a coupling extension 604 extends from each side ofrail 62. Coupling extensions 604 are symmetrically positioned relativeto a radial centerline 605 of rail 62. In one example, couplingextensions 604 each extend from rail 62 with an orientationsubstantially perpendicular to one another. In one embodiment, a tab 608extends from an end of each coupling extension 604 with an orientationsubstantially perpendicular to a remainder of tab 608 toward couplingrib 602. Each tab 608 is configured to facilitate coupling of hingemember 600 with adjacent side walls 610 (e.g., of shell 12 of FIG. 4A).In one embodiment, each of rail 62, coupling 602, coupling extension 604and tab 608 is elongated longitudinally and extends a similar distancesuch that each component of hinge member 600 is of a length configuredto extend along substantial entirety of an edge of a side wall 610.

Each side wall 610 is similar to side walls 52 (e.g., FIG. 5), andtherefore, are positioned to extend substantially perpendicular to eachadjacent side wall 610 another. Each side wall 610 includes a void orcutout 612 longitudinally extending along an edge of side wall 610 andconfigured to facilitate reception of coupling rib 602 between adjacentside walls 610. Each side wall 610 additionally includes an extension614 extending from the remainder of side wall 610 along cutout 612toward rail 62. In one example, each extension 614 includes at least oneelongated bead 616 on an end thereof and an elongated groove 618.Elongated bead 616 extends along an edge of extension 614 and isconfigured to be received between coupling rib 602 and a correspondingcoupling extension 604 of hinge member 600. In one example, tab 608 ofthe corresponding coupling extension 604 interfaces with elongated bead616 of extension 614 to prevent inadvertent movement of rail 62 relativeto side wall 610 while simultaneously allowing for rotation of rail 62relative to side wall 610 when desired by the consumer to transition theresulting main shell body 70 of shell 12 a (e.g., FIG. 4A) to transitionfrom a flat packed or collapsed position to an erected or assembledposition to form shell 12 a for storage or other use. Similarly, groove618 is configured to selectively receive a corresponding tab 608 of rail62 to selectively maintain main shell body 70 in a collapsed state whendesired.

FIG. 40 illustrates another embodiment of a hinge member generallyillustrated at 620 configured to interact with shell side walls 630.Hinge member 620 includes a rail 62, a coupling rib 622 and couplingextensions 624. Similar to coupling rib 602 described with respect tohinge member 600 of FIG. 39, coupling rib 622 extends from rail 62 todefine an intersection 626 therebetween. In one embodiment, intersection626 is formed substantially thinner or at least weaker than otherportions of hinge member 620 such that coupling rib 622 is allowed torepeatedly bend or effectively rotate relative to rib 622 aboutintersection 626 without significantly weakening or breaking rail 62along intersection 626. Coupling extensions 624 each extend in asubstantially symmetrical manner about a radial centerline 625 of hingemember 620 such that coupling extensions 624 are positionedsubstantially perpendicular to one another. Each coupling extension 624defines an elongated tab 628 extending from an end opposite rail 62 andconfigured to facilitate interaction with adjacent side wall 630.

Side walls 630 are substantially similar to side walls 52 (e.g., FIG. 5)and, as such each defines an internal panel 632 and an external panel634 similar to internal panel 76 and external panel 78 (e.g., FIG. 5) ofside wall 52. Internal panel 632 and external panel 634 are positionedrelative to one another and configured to define an open cavity 636therebetween and positioned near the outer edges of internal panel 632and external panel 634. Each open cavity 636 is configured to at leastpartially receive a corresponding coupling extension 624 of hinge member620. More specifically, in one embodiment, internal panel 632 defines anelongated bead 638 extending along an elongated edge thereof and/or anelongated grove 640 defined at a position offset from the elongatedoutside edge of side wall 630. Elongated bead 638 is configured tointerface with tab 628 and coupling rib 622 of hinge member 620 toprevent coupling extension 624 from being completely removed from withincavity 636. In a similar manner as described above, elongated groove 640is configured to selectively receive tab 628 of hinge member 620 whenresulting shell 12 a (e.g., FIG. 4A) is in a collapsed state for flatpacking, storage, etc. In one embodiment, coupling rib 622 additionallyincludes a tab 642 extending outwardly and configured to interact withelongated bead 638 to further facilitate coupling of hinge member 620with side wall 630, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art uponreading this application.

FIG. 41 illustrates another hinge member generally indicated at 650 forshell side walls 660. Hinge member 650 generally includes rail 62 andtwo coupling extensions 652 each extending from an internal portion ofrail 62 in a substantially symmetrical manner relative to a radialcenter line 653 of rail 62. In one example, each coupling extension 652includes a first portion 654 and a second portion 656. First portion 654extends from rail 62 to define an intersection 657 therebetween.Intersection 657 is formed of a substantially thinner amount of materialthan the remainder of hinge member 650 such that each coupling extension652 is rotatable relative to rail 62 about intersection 657. Therotatable configuration allows hinge member 650 to function as a livinghinge allowing the collapsing and expanding of the resulting main shellbody 70 (e.g., FIG. 5).

More specifically, first portion 654 of coupling extension 652 extendsin an outward direction from intersection 657. The first portion 654 ofthe two coupling extensions 652 of hinge member 650 extendssubstantially perpendicular to one another. Each second portion 656 ofcoupling extensions 652 extends from a corresponding first portion 654opposite intersection 657. Each second portion 656 extends substantiallyperpendicular to the corresponding first portion 654 such that secondportion 656 extends substantially parallel to the extension of sidewalls 660. In one embodiment, near the transition from first portion 654to second portion 656, an interface shoulder 658 is formed andconfigured to interact with a portion of side wall 660 to preventinadvertent collapse of the resulting main shell body 70.

Each side wall 660 adjacent to and interacting with hinge member 650includes an internal panel 662 and an external panel 664 opposite oneanother and positioned to define an open cavity 666 along an edgethereof. Cavity 666 is configured and sized to receive at least aportion of second portion 656 to facilitate coupling of hinge member 650with side wall 660. In one example, external panel 664 defines aninterface surface 668 near an outer edge thereof configured toselectively interact with shoulder 658 of hinge member 650 to limitoverall movement of hinge member 650 relative to each adjacent side wall660 while allowing collapse of main shell body 70 resulting fromrotation of coupling extensions 652 about intersections 657 formedtherein.

FIG. 42 illustrates yet another hinge member generally indicated at 670for interfacing with side walls 660. Hinge member 670 has similaritiesto hinge member 650 and includes rail 62 and coupling extensions 672each extending from rail 62 in a substantially symmetrical manner abouta radial centerline 673 of rail 62. However, in one embodiment, firstportion 674 of coupling extension 672 extends from rail 62 in an inwardmanner (i.e., towards an internal portion or cavity of main shell body70), and, as such, defines an intersection 678 between first portion 674and rail 62. Intersection 678 is formed of a material substantiallythinner than the remainder of hinge member 670, such that hinge member670 is configured to repeatedly rotate about intersection 678 relativeto rail 62 without significantly weakening or breaking rail 62 alongintersection 678. In one embodiment, first portions 674 of couplingextension 672 extend from rail 62 in a manner substantially parallel toone another. Second portion 676 of each coupling extension 672 extendsfrom the corresponding first portion 674 opposite intersection 678 withan orientation substantially parallel to adjacent side wall 660. In thismanner, second portions 676 of hinge member 650 are configured to extendsubstantially perpendicular to one another.

Each of side walls 660, as described with respect to FIG. 41, definescavity 666, which is configured to receive coupling extensions 672 suchthat second portion 676 of coupling extension 672 is at least partiallymaintained within cavity 666. Unlike hinge member 650, use of hingemember 670 causes interface surface 668 of side wall 660 to interfacewith first portion 654 directly. This configuration allows forrelatively robust coupling of rail 62 to side wall 660 while alsoallowing for additional rotation about hinge member 670 for selectivecollapse of main shell body 70.

FIG. 43 illustrates one embodiment of a hinge assembly 680 includingrail 62 with a first side wall 682 and a second side wall 684. Hingeassembly 680 is configured for use in a kit of parts or similar assemblyof shell 12 a (e.g., FIG. 4A) where rail 62 is integrally formed along afirst edge of first side wall 682. For example, in one embodiment, hingeassembly 680 may be used in a kit of parts similar to that describedabove with respect to FIG. 9. In one example, a rib 686 extends fromrail 62 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension offirst side wall 682 and generally parallel to extension of a secondadjacent side wall 684. Rib 686 generally extends along the longitudinaledge and is configured to be received at least partially within aportion of second side wall 684. In order to facilitate coupling withsecond side wall 684, a protrusion 688 extends from an end of rib 686opposite rail 62. In particular, protrusion 688 extends outwardly froman end of rib 686.

Second side wall 684 is formed of an internal panel 690 and an externalpanel 692 in a similar manner as described above with respect to otherside walls. More specifically, internal panel 690 and external panel 692are spaced from one another along an edge of second side wall 684 todefine a cavity 694 therebetween near an edge thereof. In oneembodiment, external panel 692 includes a plurality of teeth 696extending from an internal portion thereof into cavity 694 and towardinternal panel 690.

During assembly, first side wall 682 is positioned perpendicular tosecond side wall 684 and is slid toward second side wall 684, such thatrib 686 is slid into cavity 694. More specifically, as rib 686 ispressed into cavity 694 protrusion 688 of rib 686 is configured tointeract with teeth 696 formed by second side wall 684. The interactionbetween protrusion 688 and teeth 696 is configured to couple first sidewall 682 to second side wall 684 generally without the use of tools orother coupling mechanisms thereof. In this manner, during storage andtransportation (i.e., prior to assembly), first side wall 682 and secondside wall 684 can be stacked on one another. Subsequently, uponassembly, side wall 682 and 684 can be press-fit together. Notably,teeth 696 are generally angled back away from first side wall 682 suchthat rib 686 is generally prevented from being removed from cavity 694following assembly due to the interaction between protrusion 688 and thecorresponding teeth 696.

Although FIGS. 39-43 illustrate a plurality of methods for attaching twoadjacent side walls to one another, upon reading the present applicationand those incorporated herein by reference, one of skilled in the artwill recognize a variety of manners of attaching and couplings twoadjacent side walls to one another to form a hinged connection near eachrail 62. In one embodiment, features of the various members 600, 620,650, 670 and/or side wall 682 and 684 may be interchanged or intermixedto achieve a desired coupling of a rail with adjacent side walls.

More on Pillows

FIGS. 44 and 45 illustrate one embodiment of a pillow 700. Pillow 700 isconfigured for use similar to pillow 20 (e.g., FIG. 11) and similarlycan be used as a connection pillow, a base pillow and/or a top pillow.Pillow 700 includes a first surface 702 and a second surface 704 thatare sized similarly to one another and, in one embodiment, are eachsubstantially planar and positioned opposite one another. Similar topillow 20, pillow 700 includes first tapered edge 184 generallyextending around and outwardly from first surface 702. A second taperededge 186 generally extends around and outwardly from second surface 704at least partially toward first surface 702 in a manner similar to howfirst tapered edge 84 extends from first surface 702. As such, perimeteredge 188 is formed between first and second tapered edges 184 and 186opposite the respective surfaces 702 and 704. Edge 188 of pillow 700 isconfigured to interact with shells 12 in a similar manner as describedwith respect to pillow 20, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Inthis manner, in one embodiment, pillow 700 also includes a setback 190similar to that of pillow 20.

In one example, connection pillow 700 includes a hole 706 extendingthrough a center thereof. Hole 706 is substantially similar to hole 192described for connection pillow 20, however hole 706 is substantiallylarger than hole 192. In this manner, the amount of material used toform pillow 700 is substantially smaller than the amount of materialused to form connection pillow 20. Connection pillow 700 also includesany number of additional features to contribute to the versatility ofthe connection pillow 700. In one example, connection pillow 700includes a plurality of apertures 194 each positioned through a cornerportion 195 of connection pillow 700. As described with respect to FIG.11, each aperture 194 is configured to receive a connection pin or postof an accessory such as a support leg 196 (e.g., FIG. 15) or a caster198 (e.g., FIG. 1).

In one example, pillow 700 also includes a slot 200 extending across adepth or width thereof and, therefore, across hole 706. Slot 200 isconfigured to receive a rail 62 of two adjacent shells (not shown) thatare equal to or less than half a width of shell 12 or can be usedsimilar to elongated pillow 212 to support two shells 12 above a largershell 160 in a manner similar to that illustrated, for example, in FIG.13 through FIG. 15. In one embodiment, pillow 700 is usedinterchangeably with or as an alternative to pillow 14 (e.g., pillow 20,pillow 22 and/or pillow 24.) Other configurations or modifications topillow 700 and/or pillow 14 will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reading this application.

More on Accessories

Inserts

FIG. 46 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a shelf insertgenerally at 720. More specifically, shelf insert 720 is configured tofit within shell 12 (e.g., FIG. 2). Similar to insert 282 described withrespect to FIG. 24, shelf insert 720 includes spring loaded clips 288configured to interact with shell 12 to at least partially maintainshelf insert 720 in place relative to shell 12. More specifically, clips288 extend outwardly from one or more of exposed or external edges 722of shelf insert 720 and are configured to be received by grooves ornotches 298 formed an internal surfaces 300 of shell 12 as generallyillustrated in FIG. 2 to couple shelf insert 720 to shell 12.

More specifically, in one embodiment, shelf insert 720 is formed of afirst member 724, which is generally planar, and a second member 726,which is generally planar and sized similarly to first member 724. Shelfinsert 720 additionally includes at least one clip 728. At least oneclip 728 is configured to be primarily maintained between first member724 and second member 726 to define one or more clips 288 extending fromshelf insert 720. More specifically, at least second member 726 definesa feature 730 configured to partially space second member 726 from firstmember 724 and additionally defining an aperture generally indicated at732. Each feature 730 is positioned along external edges 722 of firstmember 724 and second member 726 in a manner configured to receive clip728. For example, in one embodiment, clip 728 defines two protrusions orconnection clips 288 on either end thereof.

A separate feature 730 is defined along an edge of second member 726 toreceive each connection clip 288. In addition, portion 304 of clipmember 728 fits through aperture 732 of each feature 730 to beaccessible from an external portion of shell insert 720. In particular,clip member 728 is substantially enclosed between first member 724 andsecond member 726 such that only portion 304 extends through apertures732 and is accessible to the consumer from an external portion of shelfinsert 720. Additionally, connection clips 288 are configured to extendoutside external edge 722 defined by shelf insert 720. In this manner,during use the consumer can interface with clip member 728, morespecifically, portion 304 of clip member 728, to initiate retraction orextension of connection clips 288 further into or further away fromexternal edge 722 depending upon whether shelf insert 720 is beingpositioned within shell 12 or removed from shell 12.

Since clip member 728 includes two connection clips 288 rigidly coupledto one another via a connection portion 734, moving a single portion 304effectively moves two clips 288 relative to shelf insert 720. In oneembodiment, clip member 728 is spring loaded such that connection clips288 automatically retract when inward pressure, as generally indicatedby arrow 302 in FIG. 24, is applied to connection clips 288. In otherembodiments, clip member 728 must be otherwise manually manipulated toalter the extension of clips 288 from shelf insert 720.

FIG. 47 generally indicates another embodiment of an insert at 750. Inparticular, in organization, it is desirable to provide a storagesolution for shoes or other similarly sized items. As such, in oneembodiment, insert 750 is specifically configured to transform shell160, as specifically described with respect to FIG. 10 into a shoe rack.In one embodiment, insert 750 generally comprises a plurality of partsincluding two vertical members 752 and a horizontal member 754. Eachvertical member 752 defines a height similar to that of an internalcavity 756 of shell 160. Similarly, horizontal member 754 is formed witha width substantially similar to the width of internal cavity 756 ofshell 160. Each vertical member 752 defines a slot 760 extending from afront edge 762 thereof towards an opposite, back edge 764. In oneembodiment, slot 760 extends substantially half way toward back edge764. In one embodiment, slot 760 has a height sufficient to receive athickness of horizontal member 754.

Horizontal member 754 defines two slots 766 extending from a rear edge768 thereof at least partially toward front edge 770 of horizontalmember 754 and spaced from one another. In one embodiment, slots 766extend from rear edge 768 at least half way toward front edge 770. Inone embodiment, each slot 766 has a width sufficient to receive thethickness of one of vertical members 752. As such, slots 766 are spacedfrom each other and extend parallel to one another so as to each beconfigured to receive a different one of vertical members 752.

Upon assembly, horizontal member 754 is slid toward vertical members 752or vice-versa, such that slots 766 of horizontal member 754 are alignedwith slots 760 of vertical members 752. Upon further sliding, members752 and 754 are positioned relative to one another such that front end772 of slot 766 is positioned substantially adjacent to front edge 770.In this manner, insert 750 is fully assembled and has an overall depthnot greater than the overall depth of internal cavity 756 formed inshell 160. Assembled insert 750 is moved into internal cavity 756 ofshell 160 to convert standard shell 160 into a shoe rack as generallyindicated with additional reference to FIG. 48. More particularly,insert 750 is configured to divide internal cavity 756 of shell 160 intosix separate sub-compartments 778.

In one embodiment, each sub-compartment 778 is generally configured toreceive a pair of shoes, a shoe box or other similarly sized item(s). Inother embodiments, depending upon the size of shell 160, more or lessthan six sub-compartments 778 may be formed and configured to receiveshoes or similarly sized items. Furthermore, it should be understoodthat any inserts, including insert 750 may be configured to include clipmember 728 and/or other clip 288 along outside edges thereof configuredto interact with features inside internal cavity 756 of shell 160. Othermodifications or alterations will also be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reading this application.

FIG. 49 illustrates one embodiment including an insert 790 and boxes 792for converting shell 160 into a shoe rack or other similar structure. Inthis embodiment, insert 790, which is substantially similar to shelfinsert 720 of FIG. 46 but elongated to extend across an entire width ofinternal cavity 756 of shell 160, is placed within internal cavity 756.More specifically, shelf insert 790 is positioned within internal cavity756 to substantially divide internal cavity 756 into an upper half 791and a lower half 793. Subsequently, a plurality of boxes 792 areprovided. Each box 792 is configured to fit within either upper half 791or lower half 793 of internal cavity 756. In particular, boxes 792 canbe positioned in upper half 791 and/or lower half 793 of internal cavity756 to further divide internal cavity 756 into small sub-compartments794. Sub-compartments 794 are similar in size to compartment 778 definedwith respect to FIG. 48. In this manner, shelf insert 790 and boxes 792are an alternative means for converting shell 160 into a shoe rack orsimilar structure as an alternative to insert 750 of FIG. 48.

FIG. 50 illustrates one embodiment of an insert 800 configured to bepositioned within shell 160 to convert shell 160 into a shoe rack orother similar storage configuration. Insert 800 includes a top wall 802,a first side wall 804, a bottom wall 806 and a second side wall 808opposite first side wall 804. Top, side and bottom walls 802, 804, 806and 808 are configured with respect to one another to form a rectangularmember sized and shaped to be received with internal cavity 756 definedby shell 160. In addition, divider walls or internal walls 810 areprovided between top, bottom and side walls 802, 804, 806 and 808 todivide an internal portion thereof into a plurality of cavities 812. Assuch, insert 800 can be easily slid into internal cavity 756 of shell160 to divide internal cavity 756 into individual cavities 812.

In one embodiment, in order to facilitate storage and/or packaging ofshelf insert 800, shelf insert 800 is configured for flat packing asgenerally indicated with respect to FIG. 51. For instance, in oneembodiment shelf insert 800 is configured to be folded along a fold line814 (generally indicated in FIG. 50) of side walls 804 and 808 as wellas along lines of intersection between internal walls 810 such thatshelf insert 800 is easily collapsed. Once flat packed, shelf insert 800is easily restored to its upright position by applying force asgenerally indicated by arrows 816 in FIG. 51 to erect shelf insert 800.Once erected, shelf insert 800 can be slid into shell 160. Oncepositioned within shell 160, side walls 162, 164, 168 and 170 (e.g.,FIG. 10) interact with shelf insert 800 to prevent inadvertent collapseof shelf insert 800 while it is positioned within shell 160. Othermethods of flat packing any of the assemblies described herein will alsobe apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application.

FIG. 52 illustrates one embodiment of an insert assembly 830 sized andshaped to be positioned within an internal cavity 756 (e.g., FIG. 50) todivide internal cavity 756 into a plurality of compartments 846, forexample, compartments 846 sized to receive shoes, shoe boxes, etc. Inparticular, insert assembly 830 includes two boxes 832 and twointermediate shelves 834. Each box 832 is configured to have a similarheight and depth as internal cavity 756. Each box 832 is generallyrectangular and, in one embodiment, includes an internal shelf 836. Anexternal surface 838 of each box 832 generally includes a Velcro,adhesive or other attachment strip 840 extending vertically on anexternal surface 838 thereof. In one embodiment, two attachment strips840 are included on external surface 838 spaced from and extendingsubstantially parallel to one another.

The external surfaces 838 of each box 832 including attachment strips840 are positioned to face one another and boxes 832 are spaced fromeach other. More specifically, boxes 832 are spaced from each other adistance similar to that of shelves 834. Each shelf 834 has a firstmember extending between boxes 832 and side members extending eitherupward or downward therefrom and configured to interact with attachmentstrips 840. In particular, each side member 844 of shelves 834 includesan adhesive, Velcro or other feature configured to correspond withadhesive strip 840 such that the position of shelves 834 can beselectively altered as necessary anywhere along the height of attachmentstrips 840. Other methods of attaching shelves 834 between boxes 832 arealso contemplated.

The overall insert assembly 830 is sized with a width, height and depthsimilar to that of internal cavity 756 such that insert assembly 830 iseasily slid into internal cavity 756 of shell 160. As such, internalcavity 756 is divided into individual compartments such as compartment846 generally indicated in FIG. 52, which are sized and configured toreceive smaller items such as shoes, etc. Although specific embodimentsfor converting shell 160 into a shoe rack are described herein withrespect to FIGS. 47-52 other methods of dividing shell 160 and/or shell12 into a shoe rack or other divided compartment are also contemplated.

Drawer Units

FIG. 53 illustrates one embodiment a drawer unit 850 configured to beinserted into shell 12. Drawer unit 850 provides a pre-assembled andseparately purchasable drawer sub-unit specifically configured to fitwithin shell 12. Drawer unit 850 is thereby configured to have similar,but slightly smaller, outside dimensions as compared to the insidedimensions of storage chamber 54 (FIG. 2) of shell 12. Morespecifically, drawer unit 850 includes outside walls 852 defining theoutside dimensions of drawer unit 850. Drawer unit 850 additionallyincludes one or more drawers 854 extending from a front portion 856 ofdrawer unit 850 and configured to be selectively slid into and out ofshell 12 upon assembly. In one embodiment, each drawer 854 includes ahandle 858, however, in other embodiments, no handle 858 is included. Inthis manner, drawer unit 850 provides an easy to assemble means forconverting shell 12 into a specifically configured shell 12 includingdrawers 854. In one embodiment, drawer unit 850 is separately marketedfor a specific modification of shell 12.

However, other methods of converting shell 12 to include drawers arealso contemplated. For example, referring to FIGS. 54 and 55, trackmembers 860 are provided and are configured to be coupled with aninternal portion 861 of shell 12. In particular, in one embodiment,track member 860 generally includes an elongated rectangular plateportion 862 having two generally planar and opposite surfaces 864 and866. One or more protrusions 868 extend from first surface 864 away fromsecond surface 866. Each protrusion 868 is configured to be receivedwithin a groove or notch 298 formed in internal surfaces 300 of shell 12as generally indicated in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, each protrusion 868has a triangularly shaped flange 870 configured to easily be insertedinto a notch 298 and to generally prevent inadvertent removable ofprotrusions 868 from notches 298. As such, protrusions 868 areconfigured to facilitate snap coupling of track member 860 with shell12.

A generally continuous and elongated flange 870 extends from secondsurface 866 of plate portion 862 with an orientation substantiallyperpendicular to that of portion 862. In one embodiment, flange 870extends along an entire length of track member 860 or at least asubstantial portion thereof. In other embodiments, flange 870 may beintermittently or otherwise formed. With this in mind, upon coupling oftrack member 860 to an internal surface 300 of side wall 52 viaprotrusions 868 and notches 298, flange 870 extends inward into storagechamber 54. A second and similar flange member (not shown) is generallyinstalled on an opposite side wall 52 thereof such that flanges 870 ofthe two opposing members extend toward one another. As such, topsurfaces 872 formed by flanges 870 are configured to slidably receive adrawer as generally indicated in hidden lines at 874 in FIG. 54. Use oftrack members 860 decreases the amount of material contacts betweenshell 12 and drawer 874 as compared to embodiments where a drawer issupported by a solid and continuous surface (such as a bottom, insidesurface) of shell 12. Decreasing material contact decreases frictionbetween drawer 874 and shell 12, which in one embodiment allows drawer874 to more easily and/or smoothly slide in and out of shell 12. In oneembodiment, top surfaces 872 are formed of a suitable materialconfigured to facilitate repeated sliding of drawer 874 on top surfaces872.

In one embodiment, a bottom portion of chamber 54 is left empty forstorage of other items or alternatively, can be used to receive a seconddrawer (not shown). In one embodiment, track member 860 and drawer 874are separately sold from each other and from shell 12. In anotherembodiment, two track members 860 and a drawer 874 are generally sold asa package for converting a standard shell 12 into a shell 12 havingdrawer 874.

FIG. 56 illustrates yet another method of transforming a general shell12 into a drawer assembly. In particular, a drawer support unit 880 isconfigured to be placed within shell 12 to form supports for receivingone or more drawers, such as drawer 874, 854, etc. (e.g., FIGS. 54 and55). More specifically, drawer support unit 880 includes a back wall 882and two side walls 884. Each side wall 884 extends from an opposite edgeof back wall 882. Side walls 884 are each configured to interact withnotches 298 inside shell 12. More specifically, an external surface 885of each side wall 884 includes a plurality of protrusions 868 similar tothose described with respect to FIGS. 54 and 55.

Protrusions 868 are positioned along side walls 884 to each interfacewith one of notches 298 defined by shell 12. In addition, each side wall884 defines a flange 886 extending substantially perpendicular to aninternal surface 887 of side wall 884. Each flange 886 is similar toflange 870 defined with respect to FIG. 55 and is configured to at leastpartially slidably support a drawer (e.g., drawer 854, 874, etc.).

Side walls 884 are generally rotatable relative to back wall 882. Inthis manner, when drawer support unit 880 is inserted into shell 12,back wall 882 in inserted first while side walls 884 are rotatedslightly inward. Once fully inserted into shell 12, side walls 884 canbe rotated outwardly to push each protrusion 868 into a respective notch298 formed within shell 12. In this manner, protrusions 868 interfacewith notches 298 to couple and securely position drawer support unit 880within shell 12. Once properly positioned, flanges 870 of opposite sidewalls extend towards one another, and, as such, are configured tocollectively support a drawer as will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reading the present application.

In one embodiment, drawer support unit 880 additionally includes one ormore of a bottom or top wall 888 configured to provide additionalstability to drawer support unit 880. In one embodiment, a bottom wall888 is included having a decreased co-efficient of friction as comparedto walls 52 of shell 12. In this manner, a drawer or other member fullyinteracting with bottom wall 888 is easily slid into and out of shell 12and is not overly impeded due to friction caused by contact between themember and bottom wall 888.

It should be noted that both track members 860 and drawer support unit880 are specifically configured to interface with and to utilize notches298 already formed within shell 12 to receive other inserts such asinserts 720, 750, etc. In this manner, the single set of notches 298 canbe used in multiple manners to customize shell 12 as desired by theconsumer.

FIGS. 57-62 each illustrate additional embodiments of drawer unitsconfigured to be placed within standard shell 12. For example, FIG. 57illustrates a drawer unit 890 including a primary drawer 892 and asecondary drawer 894 formed within a bottom portion 898 of primarydrawer 892. More specifically, secondary drawer 894 is configured to beslid open and closed relative to primary drawer 892 and to move relativeto shell 12 with primary drawer 892 as primary drawer 892 is opened andclosed. In one example, primary drawer 892 is sized in a suitable mannerto receive standard size or other suitable hanging files 896. In oneembodiment, drawer unit 890 is configured to be purchased as a singleassembly that is easily slid into and received by shell 12, moreparticularly, chamber 54 of shell 12. FIG. 58 illustrates a drawer unit900, which is similar to drawer unit 890 (FIG. 57), but with a singledrawer 902 and no secondary drawer 894 (FIG. 57) formed therein. Drawerunit 900 is sized and shaped to be slid directly into and tosubstantially fill chamber 54 of shell 12.

FIG. 59 illustrates one embodiment of a single drawer unit 910configured to be slid into and to substantially fill chamber 54 of shell12. In one embodiment, drawer unit 910 is sized and otherwise configuredto receive hanging files 896. In one example, drawer unit 910 defines afront face 912 and two side fins 914 extending therefrom. Each side fin914 extends along a side edge 916 of front face 912 away from front face912. Fins 914 are sized to at least partially hide corresponding siderails 66 of shell 12. As such, fins 914 contribute to a more smoothoverall appearance of an assembly including shell 12 and drawer unit910.

Additionally referring to FIG. 60, in one embodiment, drawer unit 910 isconfigured to be flat packed for storage when not in use. In onespecific example, drawer unit 910 includes a main body 918 and a bottom920. Main body 918 includes front face 912, fins 914, side faces 922 anda rear face 924. Faces 912, 922 and 924 are configured to flex relativeto one another such that main body 918 can be collapsed for flat packingfor example, in a similar manner as described with respect to main shellbody 70 as illustrated in FIG. 7. When removed for storage andconfigured for use, main body 918 is squared or expanded into anon-collapsed position and bottom 920 is coupled thereto. Bottom 920 isconfigured to hold main body 918 in a square position during use. Mainbody 918 and bottom 920 may be selectively or permanently coupled to oneanother in any suitable manner, such as snap fit, adhesive, rivets, etc.

FIG. 61 illustrates a drawer unit 930 configured to be slid into and tosubstantially fill chamber 54 (e.g., FIG. 2) of shell 12. Drawer unit930 includes a primary drawer 932 and a secondary drawer 934 stackedwith respect to primary drawer 932. Each drawer 932 and 934 isconfigured to be separately opened and closed relative to shell 12. Inone embodiment, primary drawer 932 is sized and otherwise configured toreceive hanging files 896, and secondary drawer 934 is sized andconfigured to receive a stack 936 of letter sized papers. In oneexample, each drawer 932 and 934 includes a notch 938 or other handle(not shown) to facilitate the consumer in grasping and opening/closingdrawers 932 and 934.

While any of the drawers described above may be slid directly into andout of shell 12 and interact therewith without any rails, tracks, etc.,in one embodiment, shell 12 and the respective drawer includecomplimentary components 940 to facilitate moving shell 12 relative to adrawer and vice versa. For example, referring to FIGS. 61 and 62, in oneembodiment, shell 12 includes a track 942 inside chamber 54 thereofconfigured to interact with a corresponding member 944 defined by drawer932. Track 942 defines an elongated rectangular member 946 defining anelongated opening 948 therein. Corresponding member 944 is elongated anddefines a protrusion 950 near an end 952 thereof.

When drawer unit 930 is positioned within shell 12, corresponding member944 is positioned just above track 942 such that member 944 and track942 extend and are aligned with one another and extend in asubstantially parallel manner relative to each other. More specifically,protrusion 950 is received within opening 948. As drawer 932 is slidrelative to shell 12, protrusion 950 slides back and forth withinopening 948 as a guide providing for smoother movement of drawer 932relative to shell 12. In one example, elongated rectangular member 946includes a stop 954 at an end thereof, which interacts with protrusion950 of drawer 932 to prevent drawer 932 from being inadvertently pulledall the way out of shell 12. Similar tracks and corresponding memberscan be used with any of the drawers described herein. In addition,tracks and corresponding members may be include on the bottom and/or thesides of the respective drawers as will be apparent to those of skill inthe art.

FIG. 63 illustrates one embodiment of shell 12 customized with aplurality of boxes 960. In one embodiment, each box 960 is sized andshaped to hold hanging files 896. Additionally referring to FIG. 64, box960 includes an integrated lid 962 extending from a top portion thereof.Lid 962 is configured to cover an opening 964 of box 960 during storagewithin shell 12 or during storage outside of shell 12 to protect hangingfiles 896 or other contents stored therein. As such, box 960 isversatile for use with shell 12 or without shell 12. In one example, lid962 is rotatable relative to a remainder of box 960 is configured to berotated into box 960, as indicated in dashed lines, to move lid 962 outof the way, for example, during periods of regular use of the contentswithin box 960. In one embodiment, each box 960 includes a label 966,such as an adhesive label, removable card label, etc.

In one embodiment, the plurality of boxes 960 are sized and shaped toallow three of the plurality of boxes 960 to fit within shell 12collectively substantially fill chamber 54 (e.g., FIG. 2) of shell 12.Each of the plurality of boxes 960 is configured to be slid into and outof chamber 54. When one of the plurality of boxes 960 is pulled out ofshell 12, the remainder of the plurality of boxes 960 act ascounterbalances, which decrease or prevent shell 12 from tipping orotherwise becoming unstable as the one box 960 is pulled from shell 12.

As illustrated with additional reference to FIG. 65, in one embodiment,a first support member 970 is configured to be slid over a front edge972 of opening 964. First support member 970, more particularly,includes a handle portion 974 and an internal support portion 976.Handle portion 974 extends outside of each box 960 and provides for theconsumer interface configured to facilitate handling, more specifically,pulling of box 960 into and out of shell 12. Internal support portion976 extends into box 960 and defines a ledge 978 configured to receiveand support one side of hanging files 896 being stored in box 960. Inone example, first support member 970 has a width substantially equal tothe width of each box 960.

A second support member 980 is configured to be slid over a rear edge982 of opening 964 and defines a ledge 984 similar to ledge 978 of firstsupport member 970 to receive and support the opposite side of hangingfiles 896 being stored in box 960. As such, box 960 with support members970 and 980 is configured to store and support hanging files 896 suchthat hanging files 896 can slide along ledges 978 and 984 with each box960. In one example, second support member 980 has a width substantiallyequal to the width of each box 960.

Trays

FIGS. 66 and 67 respectively illustrate a perspective view and a sideview of one embodiment of a tray 1000 configured to fit on shell 12nested at least partially between rails 62 (e.g., FIG. 2). Tray 1000includes a large compartment 1002 sized to receive standard letter-sized(i.e., 8.5″ by 11″) paper, long thin compartments 1004 to receive mailor similarly sized items, small compartments 1006 to receive writingutensils (e.g., pens, pencils, etc.) in a vertical orientation and othercompartments 1008 for various other office supplies, etc. Tray 1000defines an outer overall perimeter profile 1010 that mimics an outerprofile of shell 12 to create a clean appearance when tray 1000 isstacked on shell 12. Tray 100 includes a lower extension portion 1012configured to fit within top external recess 65 (e.g., FIG. 2) of shell12, which securely and selectively maintains tray 1000 in place relativeto shell 12. In one embodiment, tray 1000 is configured such thatmultiple trays 1000 can securely be stacked upon one another.

FIGS. 68 and 69 respectively illustrate a perspective view and a sideview illustration of one embodiment of a tray 1020 configured to fit onshell 12 and to nest at least partially between rails 62 surrounding atop of shell 12 (e.g., FIG. 2). Tray 1020 is configured to be amulti-purpose tray and defines a plurality of compartments formaintaining various items as desired by the consumer. Tray 1020 definesan outermost profile 1022 that mimics an outer profile of shell 12 and alower extension portion 1026 configured to fit within top externalrecess 65 (e.g., FIG. 2) of shell 12. As such, tray 1020 securely nestswithin recess 65 between upper rails 62 of shell 12.

FIGS. 70 and 71 respectively illustrate an exploded perspective view anda non-exploded perspective view of a tray assembly 1030 including afirst tray 1032 and a second tray 1034. First tray 1032 includes a lowerportion 1036 configured to nest within recess 65 of shell 12 and definesan outer profile that mimics an outer profile of shell 12. A pluralityof compartments 1038 of various shapes and sizes are defined by firsttray 1032. Second tray 1034 is configured to be stacked on and topartially nest with first tray 1032. For example, second tray 1034includes a portion 1040 that extends below a bottom 1042 of theremainder of second tray 1034 and is configured to fit within a cut-outportion 1044 of first tray 1032 as illustrated in FIG. 71. As such,first and second trays 1032 and 1034 are aligned and nested with eachother. When trays 1032 and 1034 are nested together, items that arestored within compartments 1038 of first tray 1032 are covered orenclosed between trays 1032 and 1034. Other correspondingextensions/cut-outs formed by first and second trays 1032 and 1034 arealso contemplated to assist in securely stacking two trays together. Inone embodiment, additional trays are configured to be stacked or nesttogether.

In one example, second tray 1034 defines one or more mail slots 1046within portion 1040 such that mail slots 1046 can be formed with a depthgreater than a depth of other compartments 1048 defined by first tray1032. The other compartments 1048 can be of any suitable size and shapeto hold loose office supplies, paper, writing utensils, tools, devices,etc. In one embodiment, first and second trays 1032 and 1034 havesimilar outer perimeters 1050 and 1052, respectively, which mimic anouter perimeter of shell 12.

One embodiment of a tray 1060 is illustrated coupled with shell 12 inFIG. 72. Tray 1060 defines a front face 1062 and a top surface 1064extending generally perpendicular to top surface 1064. Compartments1066, 1068 and 1069 are defined by tray 1060 for receiving variousitems. More specifically, front compartments 1066 are open to front face1062 of tray 1060, top compartments 1068 are open to top surface 1064 oftray 1060 and compartments 1069 are open to both front face 1062 and topsurface 1064 of tray 1060. In one embodiment, tray 1060 is configured topartially fit between rails 62 of shell 12 in any suitable manner aswill be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading thisapplication to selectively secure tray 1060 to shell 12.

FIG. 73 illustrates a tray 1070 nested between rails 62 of shell 12.Tray 1070 defines a substantially planar top surface 1072 for supportingvarious items and a pegged portion 1074 extending upwardly therefrom.Pegged portion 1074 may include a plurality of individual pegs 1076extending from top surface 1072 in an array. Each peg 1076 may be rigidor may be relatively flexible such that pegs 1076 are configured to holditems such as letters in an upright position, to hide phone or otherdevice cords 1078, etc. In one example the plurality of pegs 1076 issimilar relatively long artificial grass. In one example, each peg 1076is rigidly formed of plastic, wood, structural foam, etc.

FIGS. 74 and 75 respectively illustrate a perspective view and a sideview of one embodiment of a tray 1080. Tray 1080 includes a lowerportion 1082 configured to nest within recess 65 of shell 12 (e.g., FIG.2) and defines an outer profile 1084 that mimics the outer profile ofshell 12. Tray 1080 defines a substantially planar top surface 1086, afirst compartment 1088 and a second compartment 1090. First compartment1088 extends from top surface 1086 into tray 1080 in a dome or bowl-likemanner. Second compartment 1090 is formed similar to first compartment1088; however, second compartment 1090 extends slightly above topsurface 1086. A rim 1092 surrounds second compartment and provides atransition from a top of compartment 1088 to top surface 1086. In oneembodiment, only one of first compartment 1088 and second compartment1090 are included in tray 1080. In one embodiment, other compartments(not shown) are also included in tray 1080 in addition to firstcompartment 1088 and/or second compartment 1090.

Although specific examples of trays are described above, it should beunderstood that various other trays or trays substituting or combiningthe features of any of trays or tray assemblies 1000, 1020, 1030, 1060,1070 and 1080 described above are also contemplated for personalizingshell 12 for a particular use or particular uses. In one embodiment,trays and/or tray assemblies 1000, 1020, 1030, 1060, 1070 and 1080 areformed of single piece construction (e.g., by injection molding or otherforming) or are formed of composite piece construction. Trays and/ortray assemblies 1000, 1020, 1030, 1060, 1070 and 1080 can be formed ofplastic, structural foam, wood, laminate, acrylic, steel, aluminum orany other suitable material.

Bins

FIGS. 76-79 illustrate one embodiment of a bin 2000 sized to fit withina shell 12. It should be understood, that while primarily described asbeing sized to fit within shell 12, in other embodiments, bin 2000 canbe altered as would be apparent to one of skill in the art upon readingthis application to fit within a corresponding shell of any size, suchas shell 160 or shell 270 as illustrated with additional reference toFIGS. 1 and 23. In one embodiment bin 2000 is substantially similar tobin 34 (e.g., FIG. 30) except for those differences specificallyenumerated herein. Bin 2000 includes side walls or side panels 2002extending from a bottom 2004 of bin 2000 and coupled with one another todefine a storage cavity 2006 therebetween. In one embodiment, sidepanels 2002 are arranged in a generally rectangular configuration. Inone example, side panels 2002 gradually taper outwardly as they extendfrom bottom 2004 to a top opening 2008 in bin 2000.

In one example, bin 2000 additionally includes a rim 2010 and a flange2012. Rim 2010 extends from side panels 2002 around a perimeter of topopening 2008 in a direction substantially parallel to bottom 2004 of bin2000. Flange 2012 extends downwardly from and around rim 2010 oppositeside panels 2002. Rim 2010 and flange 2012 add to the rigidity andstrength of bin 2000. In one embodiment, cutouts 2014 are formed byflange 2012 such that flange 2012 does not extend above rim 2010 in theareas of cutouts 2014. In this manner, cutouts 2014 are configured toreceive portions of lids or other members as will be further describedbelow. In one embodiment, two cutouts 2014 are defined by flange 2012opposite one another.

In one embodiment, elongated or otherwise suitably formed indentations2016 are formed in bottom 2004 of bin 2000. Each indentation 2016 isconfigured to facilitate receipt of a divider 2018 (e.g., FIGS. 81 and82) or other item configured to customize bin 2000. In one example, eachindentation 2016 defines a protrusion 2017 as viewed from a vantagepoint external to bin 2000. In one embodiment, each indentation 2016 issubstantially linear and/or indentations 2016 are linearly aligned withone another along bottom 2004 of bin 2000. In one example, indentations2016 are longitudinally aligned with one another and are laterallycentered on bottom 2004 of bin 2000.

In one example, feet 2022 are defined to extend from an external surface2024 of bottom 2004. Feet 2022 are sized and shaped in any suitablemanner and are configured to facilitate stacking of a plurality of bins2000 as will be further described below. In one embodiment, one foot2022 is positioned near each corner of bottom 2004. In one example, allfeet 2022 are similarly sized in shaped. In one example, at least one offeet 2022 is sized and shaped similar to a trademark or otheridentifying feature associated with a brand, retail logo, etc. asgenerally shown at 2024 in FIG. 85.

Additionally referring to the detail view of FIG. 80, in one embodimentbin 2000 defines a reception slot 2030 extending into cavity 2006 fromrim 2010. Reception slot 2030 is configured to facilitate coupling andreception of a divider 2018 (e.g., FIGS. 81 and 82) configured to dividecavity 2006 into two or more compartments. Slot 2030 defines a cutout2032 extending from rim 2010 into side panel 2002 of bin 2000. In oneembodiment, cutout 2032 includes a first portion 2034 and a secondportion 2036. First portion 2034 extends from rim 2010 downwardly intoside panel 2002. Second portion 2036 extends from first portion 2034opposite rim 2010 further into side panel 2002. In one example, secondportion 2036 is narrower than first portion 2034 and is laterallycentered with respect to first portion 2034. Reception slot 2030additionally defines a small chamber 2038 extending radially outwardlyfrom cutout 2020. In one embodiment, reception slot 2030 is one of twoor more reception slots 2030 (e.g., a pair of reception slots 2030)wherein two of the reception slots 2030 are positioned opposite oneanother relative to cavity 2006 and/or top opening 2008 of bin 2000. Inone example, two reception slots 2030 and indentations 2016 are positionalong a common transverse plane extending through bin 2000.

FIG. 81 illustrates one embodiment of a divider 2018 similar to divider374 (e.g., FIG. 47) except for those differences explicitly enumeratedherein. Divider 2018 includes a main panel 2040 sized to fit within andextend across cavity 2006 of bin 2000. In one embodiment, a rim 2042extends around a substantial portion of main panel 2020, which, in oneexample, is substantially planar, with a larger width than main panel2020 to add to the overall rigidity and strength of divider 2018. In oneembodiment, tabs 2044 extend from a bottom section 2046 of rim 2042 in adirection substantially parallel to main panel 2020. Each tab 2044 issized and positioned to be received by one of indentations 2016 of bin2000. In one embodiment, the interaction between tabs 2044 andindentations 2016 registers divider 2018 in a position within bin 2000and also more securely maintains divider 2018 in place relative to bin2000.

A hook 2048 extends from or, more specifically, curls outwardly anddownwardly from each upper corner of rim 2042. Each hook 2048 isconfigured to be selectively received by slot 2030 of bin 2000 toselectively couple divider 2018 with bin 2000. In one embodiment, asillustrated with additional reference to the detailed view of FIG. 82,each hook 2048 include a rib 2050 extending inwardly from an outermostportion of the corresponding hook 2048. Each rib 2050 is laterallycentered on hook 2048 and is configured to be received by second portion2036 of cutout 2032 when divider 2018 is placed within bin 2000 suchthat the remainder of hook 2048 is received by first portion 2034 ofcutout 2032. In this manner, rib 2050 contributes to a more secure androbust selective coupling between divider 2018 and bin 2000. In oneembodiment, divider 2018 is permanently coupled with bin 2000.

As illustrated in FIG. 83, in one embodiment, bin 2000 and divider 2018are used with a tray 2060 similar to tray 376 (e.g., FIG. 30). In oneexample, given the height of divider 2018 in bin 2000, tray 2060includes a groove 2062 laterally extending through a bottom portion oftray 376 that is sized and shaped to receive a top edge 2064 of divider2018. In this manner, tray 2060 fits partially down and around mainpanel 2040. In one embodiment, divider 2018 additionally oralternatively includes a slot 2066 extending downwardly from top edge2064 and configured to receive a portion of tray 2060 to facilitateplacement of both divider 2018 and tray 2060 within cavity 2006 of bin2000.

Referring to FIG. 84, in one example, a lid 2070 is provided forcovering bin 2000 similar to lid 390 (e.g., FIG. 31). In one embodiment,lid 2070 includes planar protrusions 2072 extending from the remainderof lid 2070 and/or defines indentations 2074 in a top thereof. Lid 2070fits over bin 2000 such that lid 2070 sits on rim 2010 and planarprotrusions 2072 are received by cutouts 2014 in bin 2000. In oneembodiment, indentations 2074 of lid 2070 on a first bin 2000 are sizedto at least partially receive feet 2022 of a second bin 2000 stacked onfirst bin 2000 as illustrated in FIG. 85. In particular, in one example,each foot 2022 interacts with a corner of a corresponding indentation2074 to decrease shifting of second bin 2000 relative to first bin 2000,which, in turn, decreases the likelihood that a resultant stack 2078 ofbins 2000 will topple over or otherwise become substantially unstable.

Referring to FIG. 86 in view of FIGS. 76 and 85, in one embodiment, acap 2080 is provided. Cap 2080 is formed similar to a shower cap andincludes a main body 2082 and a drawstring or elastomeric member 2084(generally indicated in FIG. 86). Cap 2080 is configured to stretch totightly fit around rim 2010 and flange 2012 (see e.g., FIG. 76). Morespecifically, upon positioning cap 2080 relative to bin 2000, drawstringor elastomeric member 2084 is tightened just below flange 2012 on anexternal portion of bin 2000 to cover cavity 2006 and lid 2070, if any.In one example, cap 2080 is substantially waterproof to prevent or atleast decrease the likelihood that any water or other liquidinadvertently applied to cap 2080 will penetrate cap 2080 and enter bin2000. As such, cap 2080 is configured to decrease the likelihood thatany contents of bin 2000 will be damaged by water or other liquids.Other suitable bins and associated components will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art upon reading the present application.

Labels

In one embodiment, a plurality of labels are configured to facilitatethe consumer in identifying items that have previously been sorted intoany of the boxes, bins, etc. disclosed herein. For example, referring toFIG. 87, in one example, a box 434 is provided having a cutout 2090 on afront thereof. A label 2092 is provided and defines a front portion 2094and a back portion 2096. In one embodiment, label 2092 is formed of asingle piece folded over itself in a U-shape to define front portion2094 and back portion 2096. An opening 2098 is formed in a lower portionof label 2092. In one example, front portion 2094 may be formed of anysuitable material and/or may be covered in a suitable material to allowthe consumer to write indicia 2100 onto front portion 2094. In oneexample, front portion 2094 is a white board surface or other suitablesurface allowing indicia to be selectively written to and later removedfrom front portion 2094.

In one embodiment, label 2092 additionally is includes a color codingand is available in a plurality of colors such that the consumer mayselect a color based upon the particular type of item stored within thebin, box, etc. For example, all clothing items may be stored and labeledwith labels 2092 of a first color, for example, orange, while all itemsrelating to a sporting or other activity, may be stored in bins, boxes,etc. having labels 2092 of a second color, for example, green. As such,the color coding of labels 2092 allows the consumer to more quickly andreadily identify the types of items stored in the respective boxes,bins, etc.

In one embodiment, label 2092 is sized and shaped specifically to fitwithin cutout 2090 of box 434. More specifically, label 2092 isconfigured with a width at least slightly smaller than the overall widthof cutout 2090 such that an upper edge 2102 of cutout 2090 is receivedby opening 2098 of label 2092. As such, label 2092 is clipped around box434 maintaining a portion of box 434 between front portion 2094 and backportion 2096. Such construction of label 2092 provides for an easyassembled label that can be formed relatively inexpensively. Label 2092is also able to be used with various types of boxes. For example, label2092 could be clipped over a top edge of a box not including a cutout2090 as illustrated in FIG. 87. In another embodiment, label 2092 isuseful with a box, such as box 2104 including an internal cutout 2106illustrated in FIG. 88, as will be apparent to those of skill in the artupon reading this application.

FIG. 89 illustrates a label configured for use with a bin, such as, forexample, bin 2000. In particular, a label 2110 includes a label portion2012 and a clip portion 2114. In one example, label portion 2112 issubstantially elongated and configured to receive an adhesive label orto otherwise be written thereto with indicia 2116. In one embodiment,label portion 2112 is formed of a white board or other suitable materialsuch that indicia 2116 can be selectively written to and removed fromlabel portion 2112. In one embodiment, label portion 2112 is capable ofreceiving permanent indicia 2116. Clip portion 2114 extends from anupper edge of label portion 2112 and is formed in a generally C-shapedconfigured to receive and wrap around a portion of flange 2012 of bin2000. In one example, label 2110 or at least clip portion 2114 is formedof an at least partially deformable and/or elastomeric member capable ofexpanding to receive flange 2012 while being biased in a contractedposition such that once positioned around flange 2012, clip portion 2115grasps flange 2012 securing label 2110 to bin 2000. As such, label 2110can be repeatedly removed or secured to different bins 2000 as the needsof the consumer changes.

In one example, a portion of label 2110 such as clip portion 2114 iscolor coded or otherwise available in a plurality of colors to assistthe consumer in quickly identifying types of items stored within bins2000. In one embodiment, label 2110 is also configured to be used with acap 2080 as illustrated in FIG. 86, such as cap 2080 extends aroundflange 2012 leaving label portion 2112 viewable to an observer of bin2000. As such, placement of cap 2080 about flange 2012 of bin 2000 doesnot obstruct indicia 2116 written to label 2110. Other labels suitableto be selectively received by and removed from flange 2012 will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the presentapplication.

FIG. 90 illustrates one embodiment of a band label 2120. In oneembodiment, band label 2120 includes a label portion 2022 capable ofreceiving indicia 2024 applied thereto by a user of band label 2120. Forexample, label portion 2022 may selectively receive indicia 2024 (e.g.,where label portion 2022 includes a white board surface, etc.) and/or topermanently receive indicia 2024. In one embodiment, an elastomericportion 2026 (e.g., a rubber band, etc.) is attached to label portion2022, more specifically extends from one end of label portion 2022 tothe other end of label portion 2022 to define a circular band. In oneembodiment, elastomeric portion 2026 is configured to selectivelystretch to receive bin 2000 or other item, more specifically, to extendaround side panels 2002 thereof. In one embodiment, band portion 2026 isavailable in a variety of colors such that label 2020 can be selected toassist the consumer in color coding particular types of items storedwithin particular storage units. Other variations of band label 2020will be apparent to those of skill in the art. In addition, it should benoted that band label 2020 is also suitable for use with boxes, forexample, boxes 434 or 2104.

FIG. 91 illustrates yet another label system 2029 configured for usewith bins, boxes, trays, drawers, etc. configured for use with thestorage and organization systems described herein. A substantiallytransparent envelope 2130 is provided and defines a chamber 2132configured to receive a card 2138 including indicia 2140 identifyingitems stored within a particular shell, bin, box, etc. In one example,front surface 2134 of envelope 2130 is substantially transparent toallow card 2138 and therefore indicia 2140 thereof to be viewed throughfront surface 2134 of envelope 2130 when card 2138 is placed therein.

In one example, back surface 2136 of envelope 2130 is provided with anadhesive material allowing envelope 2130 to be easily applied to anoutside surface of any respective shell, bin, box, tray, drawer, etc. Inone example, a protective layer 2139 is applied on an adhesive backsurface 2136 and is easily removed from back surface 2136 to exposeadhesive thereon for applying to the respective bin, box, etc. In thismanner, envelope 2130 can be applied to any component of the storage andorganization system described herein as will be apparent to those ofskill in the art. As such, label system 2029 can be placed on anysubstantially flat surface of a corresponding bin, box, tray, drawer,shell, etc. as desired by the consumer. In one embodiment, card 2138and/or envelope 2130 includes a color coded portion configured to allowthe consumer to select specific colors for specific types of itemsstored within the bins, boxes, etc. that envelope 2130 is attachedthereto. In one embodiment, front surface is translucent and is tinted aparticular color, which serves as the color coding of envelope 2130. Asdescribed above, color coding of items stored within these componentsallows the consumer to easily and readily identify types of items storedwithin particular bins, boxes, etc.

Although a plurality of labels are described above with respect toparticular shells, boxes, bins, trays, drawers, etc., upon reading thepresent application, it will apparent to those of skill in the thatother labeling systems and/or combinations of labels with shells, boxes,bins, trays, drawers, etc. also fall within the scope of the presentinvention.

Hanger

FIGS. 92 and 93 respectively illustrate side and front views of oneembodiment of a hanger 2150. Hanger 2150 is configured to hang over arail 62 of a shell 12 to utilize the space on side of shell 12 foradditional storage and organizational options. For example, hanger 2150includes a main panel 2152, a first hook 2154 extending from an upperportion of main panel 2152 and a second hook 2156 extending from a lowerportion of main panel 2152. First hook 2154 initially angles forward andupward from main panel 2152 and then curves back on itself in theopposite direction. Hook 2154 is curved and formed to receive rail 62 ofshell 12 or other shell. For instance, first shell 12 includes linearrail 62 a (FIG. 3A), hook 2154 defines a cavity 2158 shaped similar tobut slightly larger than linear rail 62 a. As such, hook 2154 can beplaced over rail 62 a to hang hanger 2150 therefrom.

In one embodiment, second hook 2156 initially extends from lower portionof main panel 2152 in a forward and substantially perpendicularorientation with respect to main panel 2152 and then extends upwardly todefine a U-shaped hook when collectively considered with main panel2152. As such, hook 2156 is configured to receive a coat, bag or anyother item configured to be hung therefrom. In one embodiment, mainpanel 2152, first hook 2154 and second hook 2156 are each formed of asimilar material such as sheet metal, plastic, etc. In one embodiment,hook 2154 is formed with some deformability and bias to facilitateattachment of hook 2154 to a respective rail 62. In one example, a pad2162 formed of plastic or other suitable material is included on thesubstantially vertical portion of hook 2156 to provide a thicker endpiece of hook 2156 configured to prevent snagging or other deformationof items hung from hanger 2150 as will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reading the present application. In one embodiment, hanger2150 is formed of a substantially small width such that a plurality ofhangers 2150 may be hung from a single rail 62 of a shell 12. Otherembodiments of suitable hangers for use with shell 12 will be will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the presentapplication.

More on Additional Support Assemblies

FIGS. 94-97 illustrate one embodiment of a support assembly 2170. In oneexample, support assembly 2170 includes an external box 2172, whichdefines a plurality of external side walls 2174, and internal walls orshelves 2176. In one embodiment, support assembly 2170 is configured totransition from a collapsed position as illustrated in FIG. 94 wheresupport assembly 2170 is in a substantially flat configuration forpacking and storage, and a fully assembled position as illustrated inFIG. 97. More specifically, external box 2172 is formed of four sidewalls 2174 positioned end-to-end to form a substantially rectangular boxframe when assembled. However, each side wall 2174 is configured torotate relative to the adjacent side walls 2174 such that external box2172 can be collapsed into a flat position as illustrated in FIG. 94.

In one embodiment, one or more cables 2178 are attached to external box2172 to facilitate squaring and assembly of external box 2172. Forexample, upon unfolding of external box 2172, cables 2178 become tautand, as such, pull side walls 2174 into square. In one embodiment, twocables 2178 are included and diagonally extend from opposite corners ofexternal box 2172. In one example, no cables 2178 are included. Onceexternal box 2172 is squared, shelves 2176 can be placed therein. In oneembodiment, each shelf 2176 includes a slot 2180 extending from a firstedge thereof back toward a second edge. In this manner, shelves 2176 areconfigured to be coupled to one another by engaging slots 2180 of oneshelf 2176 with slot 2180 of another shelf 2176. Once shelves 2176 areassembled, shelves 2176 are slid into external box 2172. Shelves 2176may be attached to external walls 2174 of external box 2172 in anysuitable manner such as via a dovetail connection, adhesive, other trackinteraction, etc. Once shelves 2176 are assembled and squared withinexternal box 2172, support assembly 2170 is fully assembled. Upon fullassembly, support assembly 2170 defines a plurality of cavities 2182each configured to receive shell 12 or other components disclosedherein. In one embodiment, while some of cavities 2182 receivepreassembled shells, boxes or bins, other cavities 2182 may directlyreceive items to be stored by support assembly 2170.

FIG. 98 illustrates one embodiment of a support assembly 2190. Supportassembly 2190 includes side walls 2192 and shelves 2194. In oneembodiment, two side walls 2192 are positioned opposite one another in agenerally vertical configuration. In one example, cables 2196 extendfrom opposite corners of side walls 2192 between each of side walls 2192to brace and support side walls 2192 in their vertical and substantiallyparallel configuration relative to one another. In one example, shelves2194 are hingeably connected to one of side walls 2192. In this manner,shelves 2194 can be folded flat with respect to the corresponding sidewall 2192 and can subsequently be folded downward therefrom to interactwith the opposing side wall 2192.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 98, shelves 2194 are partiallyfolded down from one side wall 2192 toward the opposing side wall 2192.In one example, the opposing side wall 2192 includes grooves, clips orother suitable attachment device (not shown) configured to receive freeends 2195 of each shelf 2194. As such, when shelves 2194 are folded downaway from side wall 2192, the respective ends 2195 of shelves 2194 areclipped or otherwise received by the opposing side wall 2192. As aresult, shelves 2194 are horizontally maintained between the two sidewalls 2192 such that shelves 2194 can receive shells, bins, boxes andother storage components.

In one embodiment, a top wall 2198 is separately attached to each ofside walls 2192 and extends therebetween. In one embodiment, attachmentof top wall 2198 further secures and stabilizes side walls 2192 and is asubstantially square configuration such that side walls 2192 extendparallel to one another even upon periods of extended use.

FIG. 99 illustrates support assembly 2200 similar to support assembly2190 of FIG. 98 that additionally includes braces 2202. Each brace 2202extends from an opposing side wall 2192 and is configured to interactwith a center portion of each shelf 2194. As described above, shelves2194 are hingeably connected to side wall 2192. Braces 2202 arehingeably connected with the opposing side wall 2192 and eachcorresponding shelf 2194. As such, support assembly 2200 can be flatpacked when shelves 2194 and braces 2202 are pushed upward and sidewalls 2192 are pushed toward one another. However, upon assembly, sidewalls 2192 are moved away from one another and shelves 2194 are moveddownwardly. In such an embodiment, braces 2202 serve to further supportshelves 2194 and may additionally provide for additional stability ofsupport assembly 2200.

FIG. 100 illustrates one embodiment of support assembly 2210 including awall member 2212, shelves 2214, bottom wall 2216 and top wall 2218. Wallmember 2212 as described with additional reference to the partiallyfolded configuration illustrated in FIG. 101, includes two side members2212 spaced from one another and coupled to each other via rear wall2222 which extends between side walls 2220. Wall member 2212 isconfigured to form a substantially U-shaped wall member upon assembly asillustrated in FIG. 100. However, during storage or prior to assembly,wall member 2212 is configured to collapse into a substantially flatconfiguration. In particular, in one embodiment, rear wall 2222 includesa hinge or fold line 2224 configured to fold rear wall 2222 inwardlywhile side walls 2220 are collapsed inward toward rear wall 2222. Assuch, wall member 2212 folds in a substantially accordion configurationinto a substantially flat member.

When in a substantially U-shaped configuration for assembly, wall member2212 is configured to receive shelves 2214. In particular, in oneembodiment, wall member 2212 includes grooves 2226 configured to receiveedges of shelves 2214. As such, during assembly, shelves 2214 can beslide into grooves 2226 of wall member 2212 thereby coupling each shelf2214 to wall member 2212. During assembly, in one embodiment, one ormore of bottom wall 2216 and top wall 2218 may be separately coupledwith wall member 2212 at a bottom and top edge thereof, respectively, tofurther square and secure support assembly 2210. In other embodiments,one or both of bottom wall 2216 and top wall 2218 may be eliminated.

FIG. 102 illustrates one embodiment of support assembly 2240. Supportassembly 2240 includes side walls 2231, which are each substantiallyplanar and configured to be initially packed adjacent to one another ina flat manner. However, upon assembly, side walls 2231 are separatedfrom one another and are configured to extend substantially parallel toeach other. In one embodiment, each side wall 2231 includes a pluralityof cavities 2232 formed therein, which, in turn, define rails 2233extending between adjacent cavities 2232. Each rail 2233 is configuredto selectively receive a shelf 2235 as will be further described below.In one embodiment, to increase stability of support assembly 2240,cables 2234 are attached to side walls 2231 such that when side walls2231 are separated, cables 2234 are engaged or become taut to hold sidewalls 2231 relative to one another.

Upon separation of side walls 2231, shelves 2235 are selectively placedbetween side walls 2231 to each engage a rail 2233 of each side wall2231. For example, as illustrated with additional reference to thedetailed view of FIG. 103, in one embodiment, each rail 2233 issubstantially U-shaped and forms a void 2238 therein. To interact witheach rail 2233, in on embodiment, each shelf 2235 includes a lip orflange 2239 at an end thereof. Each flange 2239 is configured to bereceived within void 2238 of rail 2233. As such, using the forces ofgravity, each shelf 2235 is coupled with the respective side walls 2231.Prior to or following positioning of shelves 2235 relative to side walls2231, one or more of bottom wall 2244 and top wall 2237 may be attachedto side wall 2231 to further square and stabilize support assembly 2240.In one embodiment, one or both of bottom wall 2244 and top wall 2237 maybe eliminated. Notably, since each component of support assembly 2240 issubstantially planar, prior to assembly, support assembly 2240 can besubstantially flat packed as will be apparent to one of skill in the artupon reading the present application.

FIGS. 104-107 illustrate one embodiment of a packaged support assembly2240 including a package 2241 and a support assembly 2242, according toone embodiment of the present invention. Similar to other supportassemblies previously described, support assembly 2242 includes two sidewalls 2244, one or more shelves 2245, a top wall 2246 and a bottom wall2247. When unassembled, side walls 2244, shelves 2245, top wall 2246 andbottom wall 2247 are configured to be flat packed and enclosed withinpackage 2241. Package 2241 may be formed of any suitable material, suchas a paper-based or cardboard material. In one embodiment, package 2241is configured to aid in the assembly of support assembly 2242. Forexample, upon purchasing package support assembly 2240, the consumerremoves the side portion 2248 of package 2241 as partially illustratedin FIG. 104. In one example, each side portion 2248 is configured to beeasily peeled away from the remainder of package 2241.

Upon removal of side portions 2248 of package 2241, side walls 2244,which are initially packaged on either side of a bundle of shelves 2235,top wall 2246 and bottom wall 2247, are folded outwardly backwards awayfrom shelves 2235, top wall 2246 and bottom wall 2247. In oneembodiment, the remaining package 2241 is configured to aid in spacingand placement of side walls 2244 to be positioned opposite on anotherand extend substantially parallel to one another. As illustrated in FIG.106, side walls 2244 are rotated relative to the remaining package 2241to extend substantially perpendicular thereto and are in position forthe final assembly. In one embodiment, cables 2249 are attached andextend diagonally between opposing rear corners of side walls 2244 suchthat when side walls 2244 are rotated relative to package 2241 asillustrated in FIG. 106, cables 2249 automatically engage and are pulledtaut to provide additional support and stability to support assembly2242.

In one embodiment, each side wall 2244 defines one or more grooves 2251extending laterally across each side wall 2244 and being configured toslidably receive an edge of corresponding shelf 2245. In one embodiment,grooves 2251 are configured to receive a dovetailed edge of each shelf2245 as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. As such, duringassembly, shelves 2245 are slid into engagement with each side wall 2244so as to extend substantially perpendicular to and between side walls2244. In one example, a top wall 2246 and/or bottom wall 2247 arepositioned at the top and bottom of side walls 2244 and coupled theretoin a suitable manner. Upon assembly of support assembly 2242, anyremaining packaging 2233 can be removed by being peeled away fromsupport assembly 2242 as generally indicated by the arrow in FIG. 107.Once assembled, support assembly 2242 is configured to receive any itemsowned by the consumer, including any shells 12, bins, boxes, etc.

FIGS. 108-113 illustrate various embodiments of means for couplinginternal walls or shelves 2250 with corresponding side walls 2252. Asdescribed with respect to FIGS. 108-113, shelves 2250 should beunderstood to be any of the shelves disclosed herein and side walls 2252should be understood to be any of the side walls disclosed herein

Referring to FIG. 108, in one embodiment, shelves 2250 include dovetails2254 at opposing sides thereof. Each dovetail 2254 is formed in anysuitable manner as will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreading the present application. In one embodiment, dovetail 2254 isformed in a generally trapezoidal or frustro-triangular manner.Accordingly, side walls 2252 each include a corresponding groove 2256configured to slidably receive dovetail 2254. As such, groove 2256 isformed with a cross-sectional shape similar to but just slightly largerthan dovetail 2254. As such, once dovetail 2254 of each shelf 2250 isslid into a corresponding groove 2256 of a side wall 2252, shelf 2250 iscoupled to side wall 2252.

FIG. 109 illustrates another embodiment of a method of attaching shelf2250 to a corresponding side wall 2252. In one embodiment, shelf 2250includes an angled insert 2260. For example, angled insert 2260 may beformed of sheet metal or other material having a slightly springy orbiased nature outwardly away from the remainder of shelf 2250. As such,some movement of angle insert 2260 in a direction generally indicated bybidirectional arrow of FIG. 109 is generally allowed. Angled insert 2260may be coupled with the remainder of shelf 2250 in any suitable manner.Side wall 2252 includes a groove 2262 configured to receive angledinsert 2260. In particular, groove 2262 includes an angled portion 2264configured to receive angled insert 2260. In one example, the opening togroove 2262 is larger than the angled portion 2264 such that shelf 2250can be moved from a position just above groove 2262 downward untilangled insert 2260 extends outwardly into angled portion 2264. Onceangled insert 2260 is seated within angled portion 2264, shelf 2250 issuitably coupled with side wall 2252. In one embodiment, angled insert2260 provides a selective coupling, such that if the consumer desires todisassemble shelf 2250 from side wall 2252, the consumer merely raisesshelf 2250, which, in turn, removes angled insert 2260 from groove 2262.

FIG. 110 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a side wall 2252with a coupling device 2270. Side wall 2252 is formed with a recess 2272and a smaller slot 2274 laterally extending therefrom. Coupling device2270 is formed with a cylindrical shaft 2276 having a first button 2278and a second button 2280 on opposing ends thereof. In one embodiment,second button 2280 is significantly larger than first button 2278.Coupling device 2270 is configured such that first button 2278 is placedthrough recess 2272 of side wall 2252 to align shaft 2276 with slot2274. Once so positioned, coupling device 2270 is slid toward slot 2274to position shaft 2276 of coupling device 2270 within slot 2274. Assuch, coupling device 2270 is selectively secured to side wall 2252 suchthat a portion of shaft 2276 and second button 2280 extend from insidesurface 2282 of side wall 2252 as illustrated with additional referenceto the cross-sectional view of FIG. 111.

More specifically, when button 2280 extends outwardly from internalsurface 2282 of side wall 2252, button 2280 is configured to receive aportion of shelf 2250. In one example, shelf 2250 includes one or moreindentations 2284 each sized to receive a portion of button 2280 ifcoupling device 2270. As such, once coupling device 2270 is positionedwith respect to side wall 2252, shelf 2250 can be positioned to rest ontop of coupling device 2270 such that a portion of button 2280 isreceived by indentation 2284. A similar coupling occurs at the oppositeend of shelf 2250 with an opposing side wall 2252 as will be apparent tothose of skill in the art. In addition, each side wall 2252, multipleslots 2274 are configured to receive coupling devices 2270 to provide amulti-point connection between shelf 2250 and side wall 2252. As such,upon coupling of shelf 2250 with each of the corresponding couplingdevices 2270, shelf 2250 is securely supported.

FIG. 112 illustrates a side view of a coupling between shelves 2250 anda side wall 2252. In particular, in one embodiment, a coupling plate2290 is attached to an inside surface 2282 of side wall 2252. Couplingplate 2290 includes a ledge 2292 curved upwardly from the remainder ofcoupling plate 2290. In one embodiment, each coupling ledge 2292 isdiscreet and a plurality of coupling ledges 2292 are positioned along alateral width of side wall 2252. In one embodiment, each ledge 2292 iselongated and extends along a substantial portion of the lateral widthof side wall 2252. In one example, multiple ledges 2292 are verticallyspaced from one another wherein each ledge 2292 is configured to receivea different shelf 2250.

Each shelf 2250 includes an inverted hook 2294 configured to receive andbe received by ledges 2292. In particular, each shelf 2250 is positionedabove corresponding ledge 2292 and move downwardly until ledge 2292engages hook 2294 of shelf 2250. As will be apparent to those of skillin the art upon reading the present application, in one embodiment,opposite ends of shelves 2250 also include hook 2294 and are configuredto interact with an opposing side wall 2252 in a similar manner asdescribed above. As such, ledges 2292 and hooks 2294 are configured toallow selective coupling of shelves 2250 to side wall 2252.

FIG. 113 illustrates one embodiment of a side wall 2252 to shelf 2250connection. In one embodiment, side wall 2252 includes elongated grooves2300 with generally rectangular cross-sections extending along asubstantial portion of the width of side wall 2252. Each groove 2300 ispositioned to receive a shelf 2250. More specifically, in one example,each shelf 2250 includes a coupling member 2302 at a lower end portionthereof. Each coupling member 2302 is biased to extend from a bottom2304 of shelf 2250 with an angled orientation. However, each couplingmember 2302 is rotatable to extend in a manner substantially planar withrespect to bottom surface 2304 of shelf 2250 as generally illustrated inthe lower shelf 2250 illustrated in FIG. 113. In this manner, in orderto couple each shelf 2250 with a corresponding side wall 2252, eachshelf 2250 is positioned just above a corresponding groove 2300 andlowered into place. As shelf is lowered into place, coupling member 2302interacts with groove 2300 and slides therein.

Continued sliding of shelf 2250 in a downward manner either due togravitational forces and/or a force applied by the consumer, causescoupling member 2302 to rotate upwardly as generally indicated by thebi-directional arrow in FIG. 113 into a generally horizontal orientationin which a bottom of coupling member 2302 is positioned substantiallyplanar with bottom surface 2304 of shelf 2250 to present anaesthetically pleasing appearance to the consumer. As will be apparentto those of skill in the art, in one embodiment, the opposite sides ofshelves 2250 similarly include coupling member 2302 to interact withgrooves 2300 that are similarly formed in the opposite side of wall2252.

Although a plurality of methods and devices for coupling shelves 2250 toside walls 2252 have been described herein, it will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art upon reading the present application that othersuitable connections between shelves 2250 and side walls 2252 are alsosuitable. In one example, various connections described above or othersuitable connections may be used in combination with one another tocouple shelves 2250 with corresponding side walls 2252.

Other Shells

Although shells described above are generally described as being formedprimarily of a plastic or other material, other shell assemblies arealso contemplated. For example, shells may be formed of wood, laminate,metal, composite, or other suitable materials. In one example, use ofother materials complicates formation of a living hinge in any suchshell. Therefore, alternate assemblies are contemplated to allow forflat packing of such shells during storage, in-store display, transport,etc.

For example, FIG. 114 illustrates a shell 2350 in a flat packed positionincluding side walls 2352 and a plurality of hinges 2354. Each hinge2354 is positioned between and coupled to two adjacent side walls 2352.In order to allow shell 2350 to be flat packed by folding shell 2350similar to the parallelogram shell 12 a (e.g., FIGS. 4A-7), in oneexample, the plurality of hinges 2354 includes two hinges 2356positioned opposite one another that are configured to rotate inwardlysuch that the corresponding two side walls 2352 coupled thereto foldtoward each other when shell 2350 is in the flat packed position. Inaddition, in one example, the plurality of hinges 2354 includes twohinges 2358 positioned opposite one another and between hinges 2356 thatare configured to rotate outwardly such that the corresponding two sidewalls 2352 coupled thereto fold away from each other when shell 2350 isin the flat packed position. In other words, two hinges 2356 cause sidewalls 2352 to pivot inwardly and two hinges 2358 to pivot outwardly. Assuch, hinges 2356 are positioned to fold in the opposite direction asthe two hinges 2358. This placement of hinges 2354 allows shell 2350 totransition between an expanded, use position and a flat packed positionsimilar to shell 12 a.

In one embodiment, use of typical hinges, such as hinges 2354, wouldcreate an incongruous appearance of shell 2350. More specifically, sincehinges 2354 are positioned with different sides (e.g., the open side andthe pivot side) toward the external surfaces of shell 2350 two of thecorners of shell 2350 appear differently than the other two corners ofshell 2350. In order to decrease the visible differentiation of thecorners of shell 2350 to provide shell 2350 with a more uniformappearance, in one embodiment, a hinge 2360 as illustrated withadditional reference to FIGS. 115 and 116 is used. Unlike conventionalhinges, hinge 2360 provides a similar look at both the open and closededges thereof. In particular, hinge 2360 includes a first plate 2362 anda second plate 2364 rotatably coupled relative to one another about pin2366. Each plate 2362 and 2364 defines curved edges 2368 and 2370,respectively, opposite pin 2366. In particular, edges 2368 of firstplate 2362 curve first toward second plate 2364 and then back toward pin2366. Similarly, edges 2370 of second plate 2364 curve first towardfirst plate 2362 and then back toward pin 2366.

In one embodiment, edges 2368 and 2370 are formed intermittently suchthat when hinge 2360 is closed as illustrated in FIG. 115, edges 2368and 2370 appear to alternate to collectively define an overall open edgeof hinge 2360. In this manner, open edge of hinge 2360 appears as a fakepivot edge 2372 substantially similar to the opposite pivot edge ofhinge 2360 when hinge 2360 is in the closed position. Fake pivot edge2372 allows hinge 2360, when closed, to appear the same from eitheractual pivot edge 2373 or fake pivot edge 2372.

In embodiments where shells are configured in parallelogram constructionfor flat packing, various treatments of side wall edges may be utilized.For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 117 and 118, a shell 2374 isprovided with a plurality of side walls 2376 having beveled edges 2380.For instance, beveled edges 2380 may be formed with an angle ofapproximately 45° relative to the surface of the respective side wall2376. During flat packing, beveled edges 2380 permit hinges 2360 to beeasily coupled thereto and shell 2374 to be completely flat packed suchthat outer surfaces 2381 of adjacent side walls 2352 are eachsubstantially positioned in the same plane. In one example, a back wall2378 of shell 2374 is also formed with beveled edges 2380 and sits ontop of one of side walls 2384 when shell 2374 is flat packed.

FIG. 118 illustrates shell 2374 in the process of being folded between aflat packed position (FIG. 117) and a fully assembled position (FIG.119). Notably, beveled edges 2380 fit together as shell 2374 isassembled to provide assembled shell 2374 with neat and clean cornersbetween adjacent side walls 2376 and back wall 2378.

When shell 2374 is assembled for use as illustrated in FIG. 119, hinges2360 are all in the closed position, shell 2374 is provided with auniform appearance regardless of which corner of shell 2374 one isviewing. For example, the two outside corners shown in FIG. 119 appearthe same even though one corner exposes fake pivot edge 2372 and onecorner exposes actual pivot edge 2373 of the respective hinges 2360.Additionally referring to FIG. 120, in one embodiment, cutouts 2382 areformed along beveled edges 2380 of shell 2374 to received hinges 2360 ina manner permitting adjacent beveled edges 2380 of different side walls2376 to abut one another while still allowing room for actual pivotedges 2373 (e.g., FIGS. 115, 116 and 119) to function. In oneembodiment, hinges 2360 are otherwise configured to provide asubstantially uniform appearance to shell 2374, while, in oneembodiment, hinges 2360 are not configured to provide a substantiallyuniform appearance to shell 2374.

Another example of an edge treatment for side walls is illustrated inFIGS. 121 and 122. For example, shell 2390 is provided with a pluralityof side walls 2392 each having square edges 2396 (notably, hinges 2360are not illustrated in FIGS. 121 and 122 for clarity). During flatpacking, square edges 2396 allow shell 2390 to be substantially flatpacked, but not in as thinly packed as illustrated in FIG. 117 whenbeveled edges 2380 are used. In particular, outer surfaces 2398 ofadjacent side walls 2392 are each offset from on another and are notsubstantially positioned in the same plane. In one example, a back wall2394 of shell 2390 is also formed with square edges 2396 and sits on topof one of side walls 2392 when shell 2390 is flat packed. FIG. 122illustrates shell 2390 in a fully assembled position. Notably, squareedges 2396, unlike beveled edges 2380 of shell 2374 (FIGS. 117-120) donot abut one another, but rather form a butt joint leaving at least oneedge 2396 of each side wall 2392 exposed to the outside of shell 2390.

Shells made of alternative materials may be formed with any desiredcross-sectional shape and, in some examples, are formed to correspondwith shells formed of plastic or other similar material. For instance, atop view of a plastic or similar shell 12 with side walls 52 and rails62 is illustrated in FIG. 123. FIGS. 124-126 illustrate top views ofexample shells made of the same or alternative materials that areconfigured to correspond with shell 12 with varying degrees. Forexample, FIG. 124 illustrates a shell 1410 formed with side walls 2412to have inside dimensions that are substantially identical to the insidedimensions of shell 12. As such, all components (e.g., bins, baskets,boxes, etc.) that are configured to fit within shell 12 will also fitwithin shell 2410. However, external accessories (e.g., trays, hangers,etc.) configured for use with shell 12 may not be compatible with shell2410. In addition, in one embodiment, shell 12 and shell 2410 are notconfigured to be stacked with one another.

FIG. 125 illustrates shell 2420 formed with side walls 2424 similar toshell 2410 formed with side walls 2412, but shell 2420 also includesrails 2426. Shell 2420 has substantially similar inside dimensions asshell 12, but differing outside dimensions. As such, all components(e.g., bins, baskets, boxes, etc.) that are configured to fit withinshell 12 will also fit within shell 2410. In addition, some externalaccessories (e.g., hangers, etc.) that are configured to hang from rails62 may also be compatible and configured for use with rails 2426.However, other external accessories (e.g., pillows, etc.) configured foruse with shell 12 may not be compatible with shell 2410 due to thediffering outside dimensions. In addition, in one embodiment, shell 12and shell 2420 are not configured to be stacked with one another.

FIG. 126 illustrates shell 2430 including side walls 2432 and rails 2434and formed to have substantially identical inside and outside dimensionsas compared to shell 12. As such, all accessories and parts configuredfor use with shell 12 are compatible for use with shell 2430, and shells12 and 2430 may be stacked or otherwise used together. Although shell2430 may be desirable for use with shell 12 for increased flexibility ascompared to shells 2410 and 2420, in other embodiments, given costconstraints and other configurations, shells 2420 and 2430 may be used.

In one embodiment, shells may be formed in non-parallelogramconstructions where side walls are separately provided and assembled toon another in the manufacturing center or when the consumer brings thecorresponding shell home from the retail center. Once example, of ashell 2440 formed in non-parallelogram construction is illustrated inFIG. 127. Shell 2440 includes two adjacent side walls 2442 and 2444.Side walls 2442 and 2444 are generally configured to form a miteredcorner at their intersection. Side wall 2442 defines a recess 2446 sizedand shaped to receive a deformable clip 2452. In particular, clip 2452is elongated and formed of any suitable deformable yet substantiallyrigid material such as sheet metal, plastic, etc. Clip 2452 is attachedto side wall 2442 in any suitable manner, for example, by a rivet orother fastening device 2456 extending through clip 2452 and into sidewall 2442. Clip 2452 extends beyond the intersection between side wall2442 and 2444 to selectively interact with side wall 2444. To facilitateinteraction, in one embodiment, clip 2452 includes an enlarged head 2458formed at an end of clip 2452 configured to interact with side wall2444. Side wall 2444 defines a recess 2448 extending from theintersection between side walls 2442 and 2444. Recess 2448 is defined toform a tab 2450 near an internal portion thereof.

In one embodiment, side walls 2442 and 2444 are initially provided asseparate, non-assembled components. Upon purchase, the consumerassembles side walls 2442 and 2444 together by deforming clip 2452 asgenerally indicated by the arrow in FIG. 127 to slightly to force head2458 of clip 2452 into recess 2448 of side wall 2444. Once in place, abiased nature of clip 2452 pushes head further into recesses 2448 suchthat clip 2452 grips tab 2450 of side wall 244. Since clip 2452 isprovided clipped to side wall 2442, once clip 2452 is in place withrespect to side wall 2444, side walls 2442 and 2444 are coupled to oneanother. If the consumer subsequently desires to disassemble side walls2442 and 2444, he/she applies pressure to clip 2452 toward side wall2442, which releases head 2458 from recess 2448 and tab 2450 and therebyreleases side wall 2444 from side wall 2442. It will be apparent tothose of skill in the art upon reading the present application, that asimilar connection can be made along each corner of a shell 2440 and/orthat more than one clip 2452 may be longitudinally spaced along eachintersection between adjacent sides walls (e.g., between side walls 2442an 2444). In one embodiment, clip 2452 is used to assemble shell 2440 inthe manufacturing facility, and the consumer purchases shell 2440 atleast partially assembled.

FIG. 128 illustrates a portion of one embodiment of a shell 2470. Shell2470 includes two adjacent side walls 2472 and 2474. Side walls 2472 and2474 are generally configured to form a butt joint along theirintersection where side wall 2474 extends to the corner of shell 2470while side wall 2472 abuts a side of side wall 2474. A tree clip 2478 orother suitable connection device is used to couple side walls 2472 and2474 to on another. In one example, tree clip 2478 includes two opposingends 2480 and 2482 each having a plurality of similarly sized and shapedconical tapered surfaces spaced longitudinally along tree clip 2478.Each tapered surface is smaller toward the corresponding end 2480 and2482 of tree clip 2478. As such, each tree clip 2478 can be relativelyeasily pressed into the each side wall 2472 and 2474 to couple the sidewalls 2472 and 2474 together. In one embodiment, each side wall 2472 and2474 may be pre-drilled with a small hole to facilitate placement oftree clip 2478 with respect to and insertion of tree clip 2478 into eachside wall 2472 and 2474. Given the orientation of the conical taperedsurfaces, tree clips 2478 are not easily removed from either side wall2472 or 2474. As such, side walls 2472 and 2474 are coupled to oneanother via tree clips 2478. Tree clips 2478 may be used to assembleshell 2470 in the manufacturing facility and/or are provided to theconsumer to use in assembling shell 2470 in their home or office. Itwill be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the presentapplication, that a similar connection can be made along each corner ofa shell 2470 and/or that more than one tree clip 2478 may belongitudinal spaced along each intersection between adjacent sides walls(e.g., between side walls 2472 an 2474).

FIG. 129 illustrates one embodiment of a shell 2490 having a slide-inback panel 2498. Shell 2490 includes side walls 2492 may be assembled inany suitable manner, for example, in any of the manners described orreferenced above. Each side wall 2492 defines a groove or slot 2494extending along a rear edge thereof. When side walls 2492 are assembled,slots 2494 of each side wall 2492 align with one another. One of sidewalls 2492 includes a cutout 2496 allowing side access to slots 2494. Assuch, back panel 2498 is slid through cutout 2496 and into slots 2492 tocoupled back panel 2498 with side walls 2492. In one embodiment, backpanel 2498 includes a thickened portion 2500 on an end thereofconfigured to fill cutout 2496, which presents the resultant shell 2490with a neat and uniform appearance. In one embodiment, back panels 2498may be offered for sale separately and/or may be offered in a pluralityof colors or patterns such that back panels 2498 can be interchanged toalter the look of shell 2490 to fit a particular use, style, or whim ofthe consumer.

FIG. 130 illustrates one embodiment of a collapsed shell 2510. Shell2510 includes a back panel 2512, which is generally rectangular, and aplurality of side walls 2514. Each side wall 2514 is hingeably coupledwith a different edge of back panel 2512. In one example, each of backpanel 2512 and side walls 2514 are formed with beveled edges 2516. Assuch, when it is desired to assembled shell 2510, side walls 2514 areeach rotated upward (with respect to the orientation of FIG. 130)relative to there connection with back panel 2512 as generally indicatedby the arrows of FIG. 130. Once rotated into position, each side wall2514 extends substantially perpendicular to back panel 2512.

Adjacent side walls 2514 are then coupled to one another using anysuitable fastener, adhesive or other agent(s). For example, in oneembodiment, each side wall 2514 includes a cutout 2520 along an edge ofeach side wall 2514 opposite back panel 2512. Additionally referring toFIG. 131, when side walls 2514 are rotated to extend substantiallyperpendicularly relative to back panel 2512, cutouts 2520 collectivelydefine a rectangular protrusions 2524 extending from shell 2510 oppositeback panel 2512. In one example, a rectangular frame 2526 having insidedimensions slightly larger than protrusion 2524 and outside dimensionssimilar to the overall dimensions of shell 2510 is provided. Frame 2526fits around protrusion 2524 to coupled adjacent side walls 1514 togethervia friction fit. Other fasteners or adhesives may be used incombination with frame 2526 to more robustly or permanently fasten frame25256 to the remainder of shell 2510.

FIGS. 132-134 illustrate a shell 2530 with fabric hinges 2536 (FIG.134). Shell 2530 includes a plurality of side walls 2532 positioned endto end. In one embodiment, each end of side walls 2532 is beveled.Fabric hinge 2536 is an elongated piece of fabric that extends over allof the plurality of side walls 2532. To assemble shell 2530, fabrichinge 2536 is placed face down on a support surface (as indicated inFIG. 132 where fabric hinge 2536 is hidden from view by side walls2532). Side walls 2352 are then effectively “rolled up” or rotatedrelative to one another to form a main body of shell 2530 as illustratedin FIG. 134. When rotated into assembled position, fabric hinge 2536 istaught. The far ends of the outermost side walls 2532 when shell 2530 iscollapsed as illustrated in FIG. 132 are coupled to one another in anysuitable manner. In one example, each end includes a female portion 2538and a mail portion 2540 of a snap-fit connection. Upon assembling shell2530, female portion 2538 of one side wall 2532 is received by maleportion of the opposite side wall 2532, and vice versa as illustratedwith reference to FIGS. 132 and 133. Other members configured tofacilitate the secure assembly of shell 2530 may additionally oralternatively be included. In one embodiment, L-shaped brackets orgusset plates 3542 may be pressed into two adjacent side walls 2532 atthe corners thereof as illustrated in FIG. 134 to provide additionalstrength and stability to shell 2530.

FIG. 135 illustrates yet another example of means for coupling two sidewalls to one another. More specifically, FIG. 135 illustrates a portionof shell 2550 including two adjacent side walls 2552 and 2553 configuredto form a butt-joint intersection therebetween. Each side wall 2552 and2553 is pre-drilled or otherwise drilled with holes 2554 such that holes2554 of side wall 2552 will align with holes 2554 of side wall 2553 whenside walls 2552 and 2553 are positioned for assembly. Dowels or biscuits2556 are provided and are sized to each at least partially fit within acorresponding hole 2554. In particular, one biscuit 2556 is placedpartially within each hole 2554 of side wall 2552 such that a portion ofeach biscuit 2556 extends out of each hole 2554. Then, side wall 2553 ispositioned such that each hole 2554 formed therein receives the portionof each biscuits 2556 extending from holes 2554 of side wall 2552. Assuch, side walls 2552 and 2553 are registered in place relative to oneanother and, in one embodiment, side wall 2552 is secured to side wall2553 via friction fit of biscuit 2556 within each side wall 2552.

In one example, side walls 2552 and 2553 additionally or alternativelyare coupled with a press-in fastener 2564. In one embodiment, press-infastener 2564 includes an elongated plate 2566 with a prong 2568extending from each end of plate 2566 is a manner substantiallyperpendicular to plate 2566. Each prong 2568 extends from plate 2566 ina similar direction and is formed with a series of tapered conicalsurfaces longitudinally spaced from one another along each prong. In oneembodiment, each side wall 2552 and 2553 are prepared to receivepress-in fastener 2564 and includes a recess 2560 extending from a frontedge 2558 thereof, and a hole 2562 formed in recess 2560 and extendingfurther into each side wall 2552 and 2553. Recesses 2560 are configuredto be positioned adjacent one another when side walls 2552 and 2553 arepositioned for assembly. As such, press-fit fastener 2564 is pressedinto both side walls 2552 and 2553. In particular, one prong 2568 ofpress-fit fastener 2564 is pushed into hole 2562 of side wall 2552 andthe other prong 2568 of press-fit fastener 2564 is pushed into hole 2562of side wall 2553. In one embodiment, when prongs 2568 are fully pressedinto holes 2562, plate 2566 of press-fit fastener 2564 is maintainedwithin recesses 2560. Due in part to the orientation of the taperedconical surfaces of each prong 2568, once prongs 2568 are in place ineach side wall 2552 and 2553, prongs 2568 are not readily removed, andtherefore, side walls 2552 and 2553 are securely coupled together.

Other Pillows

As described above (e.g., with respect to FIGS. 123-126) shells may beformed without rails and or otherwise having outside dimensions that maydiscourage use of such shells with the pillows described and/orreferenced above. FIG. 136 illustrates one embodiment, of a pillow 2572configured to facilitate stacking such shells 2570. In particular, eachshell 2570 is generally rectangular with planar side walls. Pillow 2572defines a rectangular recess generally indicated at 2574 in a top and abottom thereof. Each recess 2574 is slightly larger than outsidedimensions of each shell 2570. As such, when pillow 2572 is placed on abottom shell 2570 the bottom shell 2570 is partially received within thebottom recess 2574 of pillow 2572. Similarly, when top shell 2570 isplaced on pillow 2572, top shell is partially received by top recess2574 of pillow. In this manner, pillow 2572 is configured to decreasesthe likelihood of inadvertent toppling or separation of two stackedshells 2570. Other manners of decreasing the likelihood of inadvertenttoppling or separation of two stacked shells 2570 are also contemplated.

Retail Display

In one embodiment, the various components of storage and organizationsystems described above (e.g., shells, pillows, accessories, etc.) areconfigured to be sold in a retail store. Due to the interchangeablenature of many of the components, components may be offered aspre-packaged kits offering the consumer a quick package of components toprovide a particular configuration of components and/or as individualcomponents allowing the consumer increased flexibility in creatingcustomized configurations. FIG. 137 illustrates one example of a retaildisplay 3000 for offering the components of the storage and organizationsystem for sale to consumers. Retail display 3000 is illustrated asbeing a lane in a retail setting and as such includes decking 3002 andfixtures 3004 as will be apparent to those of skill in the art. In oneexample, retail display 3000 is visually divided into sections tofacilitate the consumer in identifying how the storage and organizationsystem components work together and are arranged to facilitate theconsumer in making decisions about what components she wishes topurchase.

For example, retail display 3000 is divided into a solution section3006, a frame section 3008, an additional component section 3010, anaccessories section 3012, a bin section 3014 and a kit section 3016.Each section 3006, 3008, 3010, 3012, 3014 and 3016 includes signsgenerally illustrated at 3018 configured to further break down retaildisplay 3000 into manageable sections and to instruct the consumerregarding how to assembly components and/or provide hints for selectingcomponent for purchase. Solution section 3006 shows actual componentsarranged in configurations 3020 to illustrate to the consumer how thecomponents can work together and to inspire the consumer with ideas.

Frame section 3008 includes basic building blocks of storage andorganization system, for example, shells 12 and 160. Additionalcomponent section 3010 includes items useful in assembling shells to oneanother and/or for dividing shells for particular use. For example,additional component section 3010 includes pillows 210, pillows 20,other pillows, trays 1000, other trays, boxes 3022, etc. Accessorysection 3012 provides a variety of accessories generally indicated at3024 (e.g., including doors, drawers, hangers, inserts, etc.) configuredto further personalized components that the consumer has alreadyselected. Bin section 3014 includes bins such as bins 2000 and lids suchas lids 2070 and other associated components. In this manner theconsumer sequentially moving through sections 3006, 3008, 3010, 3012 and3014 can select components to build any number of configurations.

Kit section 3016 provides the consumer with the components forpre-selected packaged configurations 3026. The pre-selectedconfigurations 3026 provide the consumer with popular configurations andsave the consumer the time of trying to locate each individual componentin the pre-selected configuration. Rather, the consumer wishing topurchase one of pre-selected configurations merely grabs the box orother packaged configurations 3026, which already includes the necessarycomponents to form an indicated configuration. In one embodiment, theconsumer may purchase one of packaged configurations 3026 and otheraccessories to modify packaged configuration 3026 to fit their expecteduse, style, etc.

In one embodiment, retail display 3000 additionally includes hooks orshelf fixtures 3030 on end caps thereof for displaying additionalcomponents to the consumer. Other display systems and configurations fordisplaying various components of storage and organization systems willbe apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this application.In one embodiment, components are alternatively or additionally offeredfor sale via a retail web site.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particularembodiments, such embodiments are meant for illustrative purposes onlyand should not be considered to limit the invention. Variousalternatives and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art. Other modifications within the scope of the invention and itsvarious embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage system comprising: a first shellincluding: a first plurality of walls coupled to one another to form afirst storage chamber therebetween and to define a first plurality ofintersection edges, each of the first plurality of intersection edgesbeing formed at a corresponding external boundary of two adjacent onesof the first plurality of walls, and a first plurality of rails, each ofthe first plurality of rails extending initially outwardly from acorresponding one of the first plurality of intersection edges as asingle, solid, linear portion with an obliquely angled orientationrelative to each of the two adjacent ones of the first plurality ofwalls, and each of the first plurality of rails is entirely formedradially outside outermost surfaces of the first plurality of walls,wherein a first external recess is formed by an outermost surface of oneof the first plurality of walls and four of the first plurality of railsthat are positioned adjacent the one of the first plurality of walls;and a second shell including: a second plurality of walls coupled to oneanother to form a second storage chamber therebetween and to define asecond plurality of intersection edges, each of the second plurality ofintersection edges being formed at a corresponding external boundary oftwo adjacent ones of the second plurality of walls, and a secondplurality of rails, each of the second plurality of rails extendinginitially outwardly from a corresponding one of the second plurality ofintersection edges as a second single, solid, linear portion having anobliquely angled orientation relative to each of the two adjacent onesof the second plurality of walls, and each of the second plurality ofrails is entirely formed radially outside outermost surfaces of thesecond plurality of walls, wherein a second external recess is formed byan outermost surface of one of the second plurality of walls and four ofthe second plurality of rails that are posited adjacent the one of thesecond plurality of walls; wherein the second shell is coupled to thefirst shell via a clip interacting with each of the first shell and thesecond shell to maintain the four of the first plurality of railsadjacent the four of the second plurality of rails such that the firstexternal recess and the second external recess are placed incommunication with one another and the one of the first plurality ofwalls is maintained substantially parallel to and spaced from the one ofthe second plurality of walls.
 2. The storage system of claim 1, whereinthe clip is configured to be placed into engagement with each of thefirst shell and the second shell without the use of tools.
 3. Thestorage system of claim 1, wherein when the first shell is coupled withthe second shell, the one of the first plurality of walls faces andremains entirely spaced from the one of the second plurality of walls,and the one of the first plurality of walls and the one of the secondplurality of walls are spaced from one another and are free of supporttherebetween one another.
 4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein thefirst shell and the second shell are nearest each other along outermostedges of the four of the first plurality of rails and the four of thesecond plurality of rails.
 5. A storage system comprising: a shellincluding: a plurality of walls coupled to one another to form a storagechamber therebetween and to define a plurality of intersection edges,each of the plurality of intersection edges being formed at acorresponding external boundary of two adjacent ones of the plurality ofwalls, and a plurality of rails, each of the plurality of railsextending initially outwardly from a corresponding one of the pluralityof intersection edges as a single, solid, linear portion with anobliquely angled orientation relative to each of the two adjacent onesof the plurality of walls, and each of the plurality of rails isentirely formed radially outside outermost surfaces of the plurality ofwalls, wherein an external recess is formed by an outermost surface ofone of the plurality of walls and four of the plurality of rails thatare positioned adjacent the one of the plurality of walls; a pillowconfigured to be at least partially received within the external recesswherein the pillow defines a plurality of corner portions and aplurality of apertures, each of the plurality of apertures is positionedthrough one of the plurality of corner portions of the pillow; and aplurality of legs, wherein each leg of the plurality of legs includes apeg and each peg is received by a different one of the plurality ofapertures of the pillow to couple each leg of the plurality of legs withthe pillow.
 6. The storage system of claim 5, wherein the pillow definesa hole extending through the center of the pillow, and the hole islarger than each of the plurality of apertures.
 7. A storage systemcomprising: a shell including: a plurality of walls coupled to oneanother to form a storage chamber therebetween and to define a pluralityof intersection edges, each of the plurality of intersection edges beingformed at a corresponding external boundary of two adjacent ones of theplurality of walls, and a plurality of rails, each of the plurality ofrails extending initially outwardly from a corresponding one of theplurality of intersection edges as a single, solid, linear portion withan obliquely angled orientation relative to each of the two adjacentones of the plurality of walls, and each of the plurality of rails isentirely formed radially outside outermost surfaces of the plurality ofwalls, wherein an external recess is formed by an outermost surface ofone of the plurality of walls and four of the plurality of rails thatare positioned adjacent the one of the plurality of walls; a pillowconfigured to be at least partially received within the external recesswherein the pillow defines a plurality of corner portions and aplurality of apertures, each of the plurality of apertures is positionedthrough one of the plurality of corner portions of the pillow; and aplurality of casters, wherein each caster of the plurality of castersincludes a peg and each peg is received by a different one of theplurality of apertures of the pillow to couple each caster of theplurality of casters with the pillow.
 8. The storage system of claim 7,wherein the pillow defines a hole extending through the center of thepillow, and the hole is larger than each of the plurality of apertures.